ATLANTA — People continue to express sadness over the stabbing death of a woman and her dog in Piedmont Park.
Since the incident Wednesday, people have been adding flowers and treats to a growing memorial for Katie Janness and her dog Bowie.
Channel 2′s Tom Jones went back to the park Thursday where he spoke with people who stopped by to say a silent prayer and even shed a few tears.
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Many told Jones that the stabbing has truly affected the community surrounding the park and those who use it.
“Heartbroken. Yeah. It’s just tragic,” is how midtown neighbor Megan Ruger said she feels about Janness’ death.
Many who stopped by the makeshift memorial told Jones they didn’t even know Janness, but had to come honor her.
“I mean, I’m a woman and I have a dog. It could have been me,” said Jennifer Hnat, who lives near the park.
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Janness’ body was found in Piedmont Park around 1 a.m. Wednesday by her wife. She had been stabbed multiple times and her body disfigured.
Their dog Bowie was killed as well.
Her wife said Janness went to walk Bowie after dinner and never returned.
The killing and the bizarre circumstances surrounding it has people who use the park going through a wide range of emotions.
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“Sad and tragic, and scary, and frightening,” neighbor Nicole Goodrich said.
Police have added five mounted patrol units to the park. They want a police presence to calm the fears of people who visit.
Park visitors told Jones that they really want the killer caught. They said there will be a dark shadow over the park until that happened.
“I feel like I was personally attacked,” parkgoer Patsy Thomas said.
Janness’ wife released a statement on a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses:
“I lost the love of my life and my baby boy. It was tragic. She was the most intelligent, kind, humble, and beautiful person I have ever known,” Clark said on the fundraising site. “I wanted to spend every second with her. He was the sweetest, most loyal companion. My heart is so very broken, my world will never be the same. Thank you to everyone who has reached out. It is truly appreciated.”
As of late Thursday afternoon, the community had raised more than $26,000 through the GoFundMe account.
Police say their investigation continues.
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