UPDATE: Woman found dead near Albany bus station was homicide

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Police are investigating after the body of a 61-year-old woman was found Monday about 8:30 p.m. near the Albany Transportation Terminal on West Oglethorpe Boulevard, according to the Albany Police Department (APD).

An autopsy completed Tuesday morning revealed that Teresa Lynn Cole died from asphyxiation and blunt force trauma to the head. Her death has been ruled a homicide, according to police.

During a joint news conference, held at the Law Enforcement Center Tuesday, Lt. Keithen Hall with the APD Robbery/Homicide Team and Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler described the incident as a disturbing and senseless act of violence.

APD investigators have not been able to locate any relatives of Cole, because she was homeless.

When officers arrived on scene, they saw no visible signs of injuries.

Officials are looking for a black man, about 5′ 10, wearing a black and red jacket with a gray hoodie, in connection with this death.

APD reported Tuesday that a witness reported to police that he watched a black man drag a woman across the front lawn of the bus station, then place her behind some hedges.

Witnesses from the convenience store across the street also reported to police that they watched the woman being attacked by an unknown black man, APD said.

“We have heard all kinds of speculation. But until the investigators and all of them get here we are going to do a more thorough investigation. But right now we just have a deceased person. Possible foul play, very suspicious,” Fowler said.

If you have any information on this case that could help police solve it, call CrimeSTOPPERS at (229) 436-TIPS. You could earn a reward.

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