Public's Help Sought In ID'ing Woman's Remains Found Off I-85

ATLANTA, GA -- The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is soliciting help from the public in identifying the skeletal remains of a woman found near Interstate 85 in Banks County, the agency said this week. The remains were found on Feb. 5 in a wooded area near New Salem Methodist Church at Ga. 59 in Commerce.

The body was found by Banks County Sheriff’s Office deputies about 1 mile south of I-85 at Exit 154 for Toccoa/SR 63/Martin Bridge Road, the agency said. Banks authorities have enlisted the help of the GBI in their investigation. (To get notified of more local news like this, click here to sign up for the Atlanta Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Forensic tests estimate the remains to be of an African American/hispanic woman between the ages of 30 to 44. She is approximately 4’9’ to 5’6” in height. Based on the condition of the remains, analysts say she could have been dead up to four years before the time of discovery.

Items found with the body include a metal ring, a butterfly necklace charm and blue, purple, and gray-hued fabrics.

Anyone with information concerning the case is asked to call the GBI Athens office at 706-552-2309 or the Banks County Sheriff’s Office at 706-677- 2248. Information about this case can also be submitted to the GBI online tip line.

Image courtesy of GBI