Inside the neighborhood where beloved mom was stabbed, killed: Suspect remains on the run as police offer $100K reward

Georgia mom and grandmother Kay Thomasson was stabbed in the back of the neck by an intruder in June. As the suspect remains elusive, CrimeOnline took an exclusive peek in the quiet, upscale neighborhood where the beloved mother of three met her fate.

During the late night of June 26 or the early morning hours on June 27, the murder suspect, who police describe only as a black male with a medium build, broke into Thomasson’s Sandy Springs residence off of Old Woodbine Road. Thomasson, 71, was divorced and lived alone in the 3,300 square feet home.

Thomasson’s daughter, Katie Gryglas, made the gruesome discovery on the afternoon of July 27, when took an Uber ride her mother’s home to perform a welfare check after Thomasson didn’t show up for an appointment.

Thomasson, a former social worker who later owned several residential properties she rented out to tenants, lived in a picturesque neighborhood surrounded by large, mature trees in a meticulously maintained neighborhood. Her house sat tucked away on a secluded cul-de-sac with a wooded area on one side and a neighbor’s home on the left-hand side.

There is only one entrance and exit into the neighborhood if traveling by car.

Thomasson’s long driveway has a steep incline leading up to the home. On the right-hand side of the driveway stood a large opening in the fence, surrounded by shrubbery. It was through this area that the unknown suspect may have walked out of, likely making a long trek through the back wooded area of the neighborhood to reach her home. A surveillance camera attached to the front exterior of the home captured the suspect as he emerged from the side of the driveway.

Opening in the side fence, to the right of Thomasson’s driveway.

The back area of the home has a spacious parking area that looked disheveled, as if Thomasson was doing renovation work. It’s unclear whether Thomasson took on an outdoor project herself or had help. In fact, many details remain unclear as investigators are keeping numerous details disclosed in order to not compromise the investigation.

The back door, which police say the suspect used to break into the home, was missing its entire door handle. Another surveillance camera sat perched on the back exterior of the home, pointed toward the back door, but it remains unclear if authorities obtained footage of the suspect entering the back area.

The patio area was left seemingly untouched during the crime. A drinking glass sat on a patio chair, as if Thomasson or a guest had recently been outside enjoying the weather while drinking a glass of water. Thomasson’s gardening shoes sat feet away, by a plant and a small can of cat food.

Thomasson had a child’s swing set in her back yard and a basketball on her patio, indicating that her grandchildren likely visited her home often.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Sandy Springs police is offering $100,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for killing Thomasson. So far, police have not given many details regarding the suspect or even if they have a person of interest in mind. However, surveillance footage revealed a grainy glimpse of the suspect, who appeared on surface to be wearing dark clothing, possibly work clothes or a uniform.

Shortly after the murder, the suspect stole Thomasson’s black 2012 Kia Sorento. Authorities located the vehicle on June 30, four miles away in Chamblee, abandoned at the Azalea Place Apartments  parking lot. CrimeOnline spoke to a few of the residents at the apartment complex. None of the residents admitted to seeing anyone in the vehicle, but one resident, Angel Nieves, said he saw the car parked at the complex but never saw the driver.

Anyone with any information in the case is urged to contact the Sandy Springs police at 770-551-6937 or Crime Stoppers of Metro Atlanta at 404-577-8477. 

The investigation continues. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.

[Feature Photo: Kay Thomasson/Sandy Springs Police Department]