Last updated 8/30/18

Patch released that Sheriff Millsap spoke on an unconfirmed rumor about the woman’s identity. Some people believe she was a missing West Virginian woman named Courtney DuBois, whose pictures have been circulating social media and tattoos seem to match those of the unidentified remains. Her identity has not been confirmed, and police aren’t releasing a positive identification until they are sure.

The body of an unidentified woman was found in the Bartow County Landfill on Monday, August 13th. The body was cut up, and the pieces were placed in several bags found in a dumpster headed for the trash compactor at the Cedar Creek Collection Center in Cartersville. There were tattoos found on the woman’s wrist and chest along with a name tattooed on each of her shoulder blades which the police hoped would help identify her, but they have had no luck thus far. The Bartow Patch wrote “the FBI also has been contacted,” and is working with the GBI and local authorities, so this investigation could be more than just one body.  

Sheriff Millsap describes the woman as Caucasian, between 18 and 35 years old, and 5′ 2″ to 5′ 6″ with red/brown hair. Police are scouring through missing person cases in hopes of discovering the identity of the woman. An autopsy was underway to determine a cause of death, but no report has been released yet.

Erin Whatley, a senior at Cass, responded with the following when asked how she feels about the situation and whether she feels unsafe knowing about what happened: “I don’t think I necessarily feel unsafe, especially just going to work and school, but it does make me feel uneasy knowing that whoever did this is still out there,” Erin states, “and I am definitely more conscientious of my surroundings since the girl was in our age range.”  

Many students have different opinions on what this crime means and how it might affect their lives. Grace Weeks, a Cass High Senior,  believes “there is an active killer that is targeting people,” and that people should “be aware and cautious while going out late at night or by themselves.” Drew Hightower believes that the killing may have been “a revenge killing considering the details of how the body was disposed of.” Necole Gonsahn believes, “it could have been gang-related,” after hearing about the tattoos that no tattoo artist has yet to claim.  

Although there have been many rumors about other bodies being found in Bartow County, the community should do their best to stay safe out of precaution. To do so, be alert when going anywhere alone, especially at night. Residents should make sure to lock their car doors after getting inside, as well as the doors and windows at home, and beware when talking to strangers.  

If you know or have any information on this case, please contact the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office at 770-382-5050 ext. 6029.