New details have come to light related to skeletal remains found near New Salem Methodist Church in Banks County on Feb. 5.
In a press statement issue Friday, GBI officials said the remains belonged to an African-American or Hispanic woman, 30-44 years old, standing between 4 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 6 inches tall.
Officials also located a ring and butterfly necklace charm (see photos), along with blue, purple and gray clothing fabrics, said Bahan Rich, GBI spokesman.
The woman is believed to have died up to four years prior to her remains being discovered, though law enforcement is not ruling out the possibility that the investigation could lead them much farther along the I-85 corridor towards Atlanta or South Carolina.
"That is a heavily traveled interstate that many people obviously have access to. The area where the body was found is an isolated area, so we need any information from the public that we can get," said Rich.
The woman's body was found in a wooded area along Ga. 59 in Commerce, about a mile south of Exit 154 (Martin Bridge Road).
Anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI at (706) 552-2309 or the Banks County Sheriff's Office at (706) 677-2248.
Information can also be submitted on the GBI's website.
