It has been nearly four years since the tragic murder of Katherine “Katie” Janness and her beloved dog, Bowie, who were found brutally stabbed near the 10th Street entrance of Piedmont Park in Atlanta.
The shocking case remains unsolved and continues to disturb the residents of the city.
In a statement released in June, the Atlanta police reaffirmed their commitment to solving this heartbreaking case, issuing a renewed call for information from the public to assist in their ongoing investigation.
Officials have indicated that the homicide investigation remains active and that they are focusing on DNA evidence to potentially uncover new leads.
The chilling circumstances surrounding the crime took place on the night of July 27, 2021, when Janness stepped out of her Midtown apartment to walk Bowie after dinner.
When Janness did not return home, her partner, Emma Clark, utilized a phone tracking application to locate them, ultimately leading to a horrifying discovery.
Just after 1 a.m. on July 28, police responded to the scene at the intersection of 10th Street and Charles Allen Drive, where they would find the bodies of Janness and Bowie near the entrance to Piedmont Park.
Immediately following the murder, authorities released a security image captured from a nearby camera showing Janness and Bowie in a crosswalk moments before the attack.
However, it was later revealed that surveillance cameras installed within Piedmont Park were outdated and not operational at the time of the incident.
The details surrounding the autopsy of Janness paint a disturbing picture of the violence she endured.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s report indicated that Janness had suffered over 50 stab wounds to her face, neck, and torso.
Additionally, the letters “F,” “A,” and “T” were carved into her torso, suggesting a potential underlying message or motive for the brutal attack.
The report also mentioned signs of blunt force trauma and mutilation.
Investigators have posited that the intense nature of the wounds could indicate a possible familiarity and emotional involvement from the perpetrator.
As of now, no suspects have been publicly identified, and officials have yet to disclose the results of a necropsy conducted on Bowie, whose remains may hold crucial forensic information.
In response to this ongoing tragedy, a memorial bench has been installed in the dog park where Janness and Bowie frequently played.
This bench now stands as a poignant reminder of their lives, alongside the unresolved questions that linger in the community.
“The Atlanta Police Department remains committed to solving this case of a life taken in an act of senseless violence and bringing justice to those responsible,” the department stated in June.
During a press event held at the Public Safety Training Center, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum took the opportunity to address the case, emphasizing its high priority for the department.
“It’s still an active case by the Atlanta Police Department,” Schierbaum stated.
“We have not stopped in our efforts to bring that individual to justice that committed that crime. And we are confident that we will.”
According to investigators, they are collaborating with federal partners and pursuing various new leads, including ongoing DNA testing to further advance the investigation.
As families and friends continue to visit Piedmont Park, enjoying its vast 200 acres of green space, some parkgoers have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in delivering justice for Janness and Bowie.
“Somebody is not coming forth,” remarked Mr. Fitzgerald, a visitor at the park.
“It’s been four years. Four years. Has the case gone cold?”
Despite public concerns, Atlanta police maintain that the case has not gone cold and are actively seeking assistance from the community.
In a recent announcement, Crime Stoppers revealed that the reward for information leading to an arrest has now increased to $25,000.
For individuals wishing to contribute information, the Atlanta Police encourage the public to reach out via Crime Stoppers by calling (404) 577-8477,
submitting tips online at crimestoppersatlanta.org, or texting “CSGA” followed by their tip to 738477.
image source from：fox5atlanta
