Katherine Janness and her beloved dog were found stabbed to death last week in one of Atlanta’s most popular parks; her friends reportedly say that the park security cameras were not working on the night she was attacked.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the incident happened July 28 off of 10th Street and Charles Allen Drive. Katherine Janness, 40, told her fiancee, Emma Clark, she was taking a walk with their dog, Bowie, after dinner. It was the last time Clark spoke to Janness.
When Janness failed to return home, Clark reportedly traced Janness’ location by using a phone app. Clark found both Janness and Bowie dead at the entrance of Piedmont Park.
An officer with the Atlanta Police Department described the scene as “gruesome” and said the victim was found stabbed numerous times.
“It’s a gruesome scene,” Atlanta Police Deputy Chief Charles Hampton Jr. said. “Upon their arrival, they did, in fact, find a female deceased in the park, appears to be from some type of stable wounds.”
AJC reports that a security camera close the park’s entrance captured an image of Katherine Janness and Bowie shortly before their death. Other cameras in the area, however, were reportedly not working, at least according to some of Janness’ loved ones. City officials have not made comment on whether the cameras were broken or not.
Park officials said that Atlanta PD operates the cameras but the police department said that the cameras are operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Atlanta PD has remained mum on whether they spotted a suspect on camera or whether the attack was captured.
“Upon review, the cameras inside Piedmont Park are operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation,” Sgt. John Chafee said in an emailed statement. “Footage from APD cameras in the area is currently under review for any footage that may help this investigation. The Atlanta Police Department continues to work with the DPR on this investigation.”
So far, it’s unclear whether this was a random or a targeted attack. The FBI has now joined the investigation.
The Atlanta Police Department is offering a $10,000 reward for information that will lead to an arrest and an indictment in the case. Contact the Atlanta Police Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.
“We want the public to know that the park is safe,” Chata Sparks, APD’s director of public affairs, said.
Check back for updates.
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[Featured Photo: Katherine Janness/Facebook; Atlanta PD
