Cormella Thomas: 30-Year-Mother Shot And Dumped Along Interstate Near Atlanta

The body of Cormella Thomas, 30, was found on October 3, 2021, after being dumped near the interstate 675, according to authorities. She had been shot multiple times.

The body of an African-American woman found on the side of an Atlanta-area interstate has been identified by Clayton County, Georgia officials.

The body of Cormella Thomas, 30, was found after being dumped near the interstate 675, according to authorities. She had been shot multiple times.

Clayton police asked for the public’s assistance in identifying the victim after they circulated a police sketch of what they thought the woman looked like.

"My heart dropped because nobody deserves that and she was a sweet person and didn't deserve any of that," Andrew Gibson, the victim’s friend, told 11Alive. “I've seen the drawing. Like I noticed that this person looked familiar."

"When they updated it and showed a picture, it just took everything out of me. She was a sweet person and she didn't deserve any of that," he was quoted as saying.

Authorities hoped that someone would be able to identify the victim from the sketch as well as the name “Reign” tattooed on her body.

Thomas’ body was discovered Sunday, October 3, 2021, after a motorist noticed the woman’s body on the shoulder of the road. After confirming that it was a body, the person called 911, police said.

After authorities announced the verification of Thomas’ identity, they disclosed that Reign is the name of her 1-year-old daughter.

“I think it’s really sad and devastating. I don’t know how people can be so cruel,” a nearby resident, Paulina Wilson, told WSBTV.

The homicide investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about Thomas’ death is asked to contact detectives at 770-477-3747. Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.