Gwinnett County

60-year-old woman found dead in home; Death considered suspicious

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Authorities in Gwinnett County are investigating a 60-year-old woman’s death.

Channel 2 Gwinnett County Bureau Chief Tony Thomas learned police were called to the woman's home on Stone Mountain Street in downtown Lawrenceville on Wednesday afternoon.

The woman, identified as Cheryl Loving, was found dead inside by her brother around 3:30 p.m., when he went to check on her after he and neighbors couldn't get ahold of her all day. He said he found blood on the driveway and leading up to the front porch, so he stormed the home, which was unlocked.

Police are calling her death suspicious, and a homicide investigation has been launched.

Thomas was told the woman lived at the house alone but was known as very friendly in the neighborhood.

TRENDING STORIES:

"She was the nicest lady and nicest neighbor," one woman told Thomas.

Neighbors showed up at the scene, remembering the woman.

"I used to go up there and cut her grass sometimes. Whoever did this, they should be ashamed of themselves," Kevin Brass said.

Loved ones described the woman as loving, kind and compassionate.

Police said Loving had been shot and there was no sign of forced entry.

"It’s especially traumatic for the family as we are moving to the holiday season and makes it exceptionally devastating,” Capt. Jeff Smith, with the Lawrenceville Police Department, said.

Thomas arrived shortly after detectives and watched as they carried evidence bags from the front porch.

Loving is the second Lawrenceville woman murdered in her home in less than two weeks.

[READ MORE: Mother of 3 found shot to death in kitchen, police say]