CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — Investigators are working to find out how human remains ended up on a Cherokee County property.
Channel 2 Action News was there as dive teams searched a nearby pond for evidence at Purcell Lane on Saturday afternoon.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said a family member found the body in a wooded area behind the home Thursday and called 911.
Channel 2's Lauren Pozen spoke with the GBI Sunday morning, who said that depending on the condition of the remains found on the property, it could take days or weeks to identify them.
Neighbors said peace was shattered in the wealthy enclave.
"Their place is beautiful. They got the horses and the fields, I mean, it’s the last place I’d imagine anything bad like that would happen," said neighbor Ken O'Reilly.
News Drone 2 flew over the scene on Purcell Lane as investigators and dive crews were searching for clues.
“I saw the fire trucks and things coming in and thought something was up," said neighbor Dave Dudas.
Investigators are leaving no stone unturned. They also canvassed the neighborhood.
“Two detectives came by yesterday to ask me about suspected gunshots that have happened over the week," said neighbor Dani Dudas.
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“The body and remains have been transported to the GBI Crime Lab for positive identification," said Sgt. Marianne Kelley with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.
Property records indicate the homeowner is a prominent Atlanta attorney.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the person that’s deceased and also to our neighbors, the family that has to experience this," said neighbor Susan Dudas.
Neighbors are asking many of the same questions as deputies are: Who is the victim and how did they wind up there? And how long has the body been there?
“I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it," O'Reilly said.
A lot of unanswered questions remain but one thing is certain, the sheriff’s office says it’s conducting a homicide investigation.
Neighbors are trying to come to grips with the unthinkable.
“That’s unsettling, to say the least. We’ll be on edge," O'Reilly said.