Investigation into woman's death continues

The police caution tape is gone from the crime scene, but Columbia County authorities continue to investigate the slaying of an elderly Martinez woman.

Preliminary autopsy results conducted Saturday by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab in Atlanta confirm that Meredith Ruth Guy, 74, died of two gunshot wounds to the back of her head and upper back.

A relative discovered Guy's body in the hallway of her home on the 300 block of Twin Lakes Drive about 7:30 p.m. Friday.

"It appears she was shot and died earlier that day," said Capt. Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. "As a result of a search of her residence, evidence has been recovered."

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Morris said he couldn't elaborate on the evidence, but did say no weapon was found at the scene and there was no sign of forced entry.

Investigators re-examined the crime scene Saturday and continue interviewing family and friends of the victim.

"Although no suspects have been identified, we're pleased with our progress to date," Morris said.

"Interviews will continue while evaluating evidence," he said.

Many neighbors in the small, middle-class neighborhood off Furys Ferry Road didn't know Guy, who lived alone, and some were unaware that a crime had been committed.

"I don't believe I ever saw her come out of her home," said Ginger Zepp, who lives a few houses down from Guy. "I saw people going in and out of her home, but I don't remember ever seeing her."

Zepp also said that her home, and several others in the neighborhood, had been burglarized recently.

The last homicide to take place in Columbia County was the stabbing death of Joshua Hadden in August 2001, Morris said.

Police are asking anyone with information about this crime to call the Columbia County Sheriff's Office at 541-2800.