Decatur police said Tuesday an autopsy confirmed a Cobb County hair stylist was killed by a gunshot wound but said they could not release any other details for fear of compromising their investigation.

“We recognize that everyone is seeking a quick answer to explain the senseless loss of Karen Pearce’s life but a thorough investigation is a slow and methodical process,” Sgt. Jennifer S. Ross said in a email to Channel 2 Action News. “Investigators are following up on every potential lead in an effort to establish a motive and identify who was responsible for the death of Karen Pearce.”

Pearce, 44, was found dead behind One Decatur Town Center over the weekend by somebody leaving a nearby parking deck, Decatur police previously said. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot in that area before the Smyrna woman was discovered.

Pearce worked at True Salon off of Dallas Highway, according to a post on the salon’s official Facebook page.

Investigators ask anyone with information to contact the Decatur Police Department at 404-373-6551 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. Tips can be submitted online at www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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