Public, officials piece together Thomasville business owner's death

THOMASVILLE, Ala. (WALA) - Wednesday, folks in Thomasville were still trying to piece together why a local business owner may have been killed in her office.

Mayor Sheldon Day said Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey met with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to discuss evidence collected so far in the shooting death of Fredia Collins.

"Our team of investigators, part of the investigation team, are huddling with the FBI at the FBI in Mobile to pour through additional evidence and subpoenas for other evidence has been issued,” said Day.

Officials have not yet been able to determine whether her death was a random act of violence or if there was a motive involved.  No suspect has been identified yet.

Day said calls have been pouring in to city hall as well as authorities with tips from citizens. He said some have been credible and helpful, but some have been unrelated to the case. Either way, Day says every tip will be investigated.

"Some folks have said, ‘Hey, hey, you know, I remember. I saw this.' or ‘I heard this.' So we are trying to utilize every piece of information that people are bringing us,” said Day.

Day assures residents, security has been amped up in the city and authorities are leaving no stone unturned.

 “I’m very comfortable with our police department and I feel secure,” said Debra Allan.

Some residents are extra attention to their surroundings until the killer is caught.

 I think everyone needs to be high-alert because we don't know who did it,”
 said Lucille Taylor.

Collins was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound in her office at Collins and Collins insurance in downtown Thomasville on Monday. Police ruled the woman’s death a homicide.

To report a tip, call Thomasville Alabama Police: 334-636-2174.