Update #2, 11/05/2019: After the autopsy was completed by the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office, this case has been ruled as a suicide. 

Update #1, 10/31/2019: The deceased has been identified as Sonja Lucretta Richardson (age 25, Norcross).  Her next-of-kin has been notified.  She was driving a blue 2017 Hyundai Elandra. 

The Accident Investigation Unit assisted with the accident reconstruction of this incident so investigators can determine her course of travel just prior the vehicle’s final resting place. 

Once the GCPD Investigators, Medical Examiner’s Office Investigator, and Crime Scene Unit were able to enter the vehicle to continue the investigation, they found elements that lean towards this case being a suicide.  However, the final ruling will need to be made by the Medical Examiner’s Office upon the conclusion of the autopsy. 

For now, this case is transitioning from a homicide investigation to a death investigation. 

Original, 10/31/2019: (Norcross, Georgia)  The Gwinnett County Police Department is investigating the death of a woman found deceased inside her vehicle in the HOV lane of Interstate 85 northbound just south of Jimmy Carter Boulevard. 

At around 5:30am, officers assigned to the West Precinct were dispatched to a roadway hazard on the interstate.  The vehicle was found resting upon the median wall.  The officers found the body of a woman inside the vehicle in the driver’s seat.  There was a significant amount of blood. 

The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner’s Office was contacted.  Based on their observations, the woman’s injuries did not appear to be a suicide attempt. 

The victim is a black woman.  Her identity and vehicle description is not being released until her next-of-kin can be notified. 

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com.  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number:  19-100335