UPDATE: Decaturish reports that Ms. Pearce was a stylist at True Salon in Marietta and that the salon was closed today as they mourned their friend and colleague.

From Decatur Police Sgt. Jennifer Ross…

On December 6, 2014 at approximately 10:55 pm, Decatur Police responded to a deceased person call in the 100 block of East Ponce de Leon Avenue. Witnesses reported noticing the victim laying on the ground as they were exiting a parking area. Preliminary investigation revealed the victim was shot. A murder investigation is ongoing at this time.

Update: The victim has been identified as 44-year-old Karen Pearce of Smyrna, Georgia. We have been able to confirm Ms. Pearce left a local restaurant and was walking in an area adjacent to where her vehicle was parked. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot in the area just prior to the discovery of Ms. Pearce’s body. However, the cause of death has not yet been determined. Investigators are working around the clock to identify a motive and suspect in this case. If you have any information please contact the Decatur Police Department at 404/373-6551 or Crimestoppers at 404/577-TIPS or online at http://www.crimestoppersatlanta.org/index .