Autopsy of murdered grandmother could help police make arrest in cold case

Credit: Family photo/Via WSB-TV

Credit: Family photo/Via WSB-TV

The final autopsy report on the death of a metro Atlanta grandmother was released this week and investigators are hoping it could lead to n arrest in the cold case.

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Police in Sandy Springs, Georgia, are still searching for the person who brutally killed Kay Thomasson, 71, in her home on Old Woodbine Road on June 27.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s final report was obtained by WSB-TV, and it revealed evidence that Thomasson may have been sexually assaulted during the incident, which authorities hope could provide DNA evidence of her killer.

"That would be a No. 1 priority, if there was a sexual assault," veteran law enforcement officer and consultant Brent Brown told WSB. "If there was any DNA left behind, even if there's any DNA left at the crime scene, that's obviously going to tell them a lot and tell them the person if they are remotely in the system."

Police previously released surveillance video of a suspect walking near Thomasson’s home. Police described him as a man with a medium build and dark clothing. His age, height or whether he had any tattoos or facial hair could not be determined.

The report also showed Thomasson likely fought back against her attacker before she died “as the result of a stab wound to the back of her neck,” WSB reported. She was “beaten, stabbed, tied up, left ... in tub of water,” the report said.

“I would think from some of the wounds that this person fought back, so it was a violent encounter,” Brown said.

A 2012 black Kia Sorento belonging to Thomasson was missing from the scene when family members and police arrived. Police believe the suspect stole the vehicle, and it was recovered three days later at the Azalea Place apartment complex in Chamblee, which is about five miles from her home.

Police and CrimeStoppers are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.

Sandy Springs police did not respond to WSB’s request for comment on any updates in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective JT Williams with Sandy Springs police at 770-551-6937 or Crime Stoppers of Metro Atlanta at 404-577-8477.

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