Thomasville business owner found dead in office

THOMASVILLE, Ala. (WALA) - Authorities said Fredia Collins spoke to her husband around 5:30 p.m. Monday, saying she was staying late for work.

 Investigators said her son checked on her 8 p.m. and that’s when he discovered her body.

Authorities are searching for a suspect and a motive.

“If robbery was a motive, they left without getting all of the money. There was still money left at the scene,” said Thomasville Mayor Sheldon A. Day.

Thomasville residents said Collins was loved by the community and has owned and operated her business, Collins and Collins Insurance, Tax and Accounting Services, for more than 20 years.

“She has been a fantastic retailer, friend, great mother, grandmother. She’s just been a tremendous asset to the community,” business owner Tim Watts.

Authorities said the murder likely happened between 5:30 and 8:00 Monday evening.  They said people were taking a walk downtown during that time and some business were still open.

“It was a regular day. Traffic about the same, maybe a little better than normal but no signs of any problem anywhere,” said Owner of Ace Hardware, Shelton Jackson.

Business owners FOX10 spoke to said they are not scared to continue business but are disappointed this type of crime happened in their town.

“We all work down here late at night, small businesses, and independent businesses. And this is something that just doesn’t normally happen in Thomasville. This is not who we are,” said Watts.

Police Chief Mitchell Stuckey said in a release, “We will leave no stone unturned until the individual(s) who committed this crime is brought to justice!”

Mayor Sheldon Day remarked that Thomasville is not “a place where these type crimes are committed.” He said the city will spare no resources in the investigation.

“We will use every resource possible as a city government to assist in the apprehension and incarceration of the subject(s) who have, through their own actions threatened the innocence and wholesomeness of our small town,” he said.