The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has joined Atlanta police in the investigation surrounding the murder of Katie Janness, 40, and her dog in Piedmont Park, according to 11 Alive.
Janness, who was a member of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community and a bartender at the LGBTQ-owned Campagnolo, was found stabbed to death in the park on Wednesday (July 28) after walking her dog Bowie, who was also killed. According to the AJC, Janness was found by her partner of six years, Emma Clark, after she tracked her with her phone’s GPS.
“Today, I lost the love of my life and baby boy,” Clark said in a post shared to a GoFundMe page. “It was tragic. She was the most intelligent, kind, humble, and beautiful person I have ever known. I wanted to spend every second with her. [Bowie] was the sweetest, most loyal companion. My heart is so very broken, my world will never be the same.”
A vigil was held for Janness on Thursday evening at Piedmont Park.
According to 11 Alive, Atlanta police were canvassing Piedmont Park and the surrounding area on Saturday evening (July 31) “in an effort to locate anyone who may have information” on the murder. The APD hasn’t provided specifics on the FBI’s involvement, but people online are speculating about the possibility of a serial killer and warning others to be careful and stay safe.
Usually when FBI gets involved in murder cases it’s something serious. It looks like we have a serial killer in Atlanta. That Piedmont park Murder was more brutal than what they are disclosing with us.
— annamariesarai (@annamariesarai) July 31, 2021
I’m calling it right now, there’s a serial killer in Atlanta. This murder in Piedmont Park was different. The FBI is even stepping in. Please please stay aware of your surroundings y’all. Hurts to not even feel safe in your own city
— ACAB (@playboicatie) July 30, 2021
There is currently a $10,000 reward being offered to anyone with information on Janness’ murder; call APD Homicide at 404-546-4235 or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS with any information.