‘It’s terrifying’: Neighbors react after body found near Cumming businesses

Body found in Forsyth County woods

The GBI and Cumming Police are investigating a mysterious death after a woman's body was discovered in a wooded area behind local businesses.

CUMMING, Ga. - The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is working to identify a woman whose body was discovered Friday afternoon in a wooded area in Forsyth County.

Bald Ridge Road investigation

What we know:

Cumming police officers discovered the woman's body in a grassy area behind several local shops and a neighborhood near Bald Ridge and Pirkle Ferry roads. The GBI was called in to assist with the scene, where witnesses reported seeing roughly 20 police cars, drones, and helicopters. According to the Forsyth County Coroner, the body appears to have been at the location for a few weeks before it was found.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the woman or her cause of death. It remains unclear if foul play is suspected in the case. Investigators have not shared details regarding how the body ended up in the woods or if there are any active suspects.

'It is really terrifying'

What they're saying:

"It was crazy," said Kaylyn Harmon, who works nearby. "There were maybe 15, 20 cop cars in the parking lot next door. For that to be happening close to you, it’s terrifying. It is really safe, but for all that to happening right next to you, you never know."

Thania Sanchez, another local worker, said she became concerned as the investigation unfolded throughout the day. "Once we started hearing that they were investigating a death, we were just wondering, we wanted to know details about what was going on," Sanchez said. "Forsyth is not really known to be anything crazy."

Lamar Greenway lives down the street from the discovery and called the news disturbing. "Hope they get to the bottom of it and figure out what happened," Greenway said.

Autopsy pending 

What's next:

The GBI is currently conducting an autopsy to determine the woman's cause and manner of death. Local authorities are waiting on those results and further forensic evidence before providing additional updates.