Accused Gunman Sought In Killing Of GA Gas Station Worker 15 Years Ago

DOUGLASVILLE, GA — State authorities are asking for the public's help in finding the suspect they say shot and killed a 62-year-old Circle K worker during an attempted robbery in September 2009.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said Maryanne Humphrey was fatally shot by an unidentified male on Sept. 21, 2009, while trying to thwart an attempted robbery at the West Stewart Mill Road gas station in Douglasville.

Humphrey fought back during the incident but suffered two gunshot wounds, the GBI said.

After investigators exhausted their leads, the case went cold; however, the GBI on Tuesday released a new sketch of the male accused in the fatal shooting.

The sketch was created using surveillance footage and age progression tools, the GBI said. Authorities described the suspect as possibly 5 feet and 4 inches tall and in the age range of middle teens to early 20s.

A $25,000 reward is being offered in connection with the arrest and conviction of the male accused in Humphrey's death.

The GBI said Humphrey's family, annually on the anniversary of her death, calls the GBI for answers.

Kailyn Kaiser, Humphrey's granddaughter, affectionately calls her grandmother "Nana."

"For 15 years, I have always wondered, “why,” as years passed by and the case grew colder and colder," Kaiser emotionally said at a news conference. "Why did that happen to my grandmother? What motivated the person to make that decision and take the life of someone so pure-hearted? I’ve come to the understanding within myself that I may never know the answers to those questions even if the person is found and brought to justice."

Kaiser added she remains hopeful for closure and thanks the effort of law enforcement working on the case.

The GBI will not give up on seeking justice for Humphrey, Investigative Division Director Cynthia Adkins said in a news release.

“Georgia citizens deserve to live and work without fear of violent criminals," Adkins said in the release. "Ms. Humphrey’s life was stolen from her, and our agents remain committed to finding answers and holding her killer accountable for this vicious and senseless act of violence.”

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is using available resources in Humphrey's case to provide closure for her family, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Captain Jon Mauney said in the release.

Authorities ask anyone with information on the case to call the GBI, (678) 382-7292, or the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, (770) 920-7139. Anonymous tipsters can call the GBI's tip line, 1 (800) 597-8477, or submit tips through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.