The remains of a woman who was dismembered were discovered at an apartment complex in Smyrna, Georgia, prompting a homicide investigation that police have described as a shocking and particularly gruesome crime.

An 18-year-old man who lives at the Park Valley Apartments is in custody and has been identified by police as a person of interest in the murder investigation.

The remains were discovered Wednesday night at the apartment complex, according to Smyrna police. Investigators have since issued multiple search warrants and conducted interviews as they work to determine what happened and whether anyone else may have been involved.

The man, identified as Kingston Bradley, has been charged in connection with the investigation. According to Cobb County jail records, he faces a charge of concealing the death of another and is being held without bond.

Lt. Meredith Holt, a public information officer for the Smyrna Police Department, said the homicide investigation remains active and ongoing.

“We are continuing to do interviews to see if there are any other possible suspects that could be out there,” Holt told reporters during a Friday briefing.

Investigators are also examining possible connections between Bradley and the victim. Holt said Bradley has not provided a statement to investigators.

Police are reviewing multiple forms of evidence and examining several possible crime scenes as they pursue leads in the case. Authorities also confirmed that investigators were still searching for additional remains.

“This is a shocking crime,” Holt said, describing the case as particularly gruesome after her 25 years in law enforcement.

Authorities have not officially identified the victim. Holt said the medical examiner had not yet confirmed the woman’s identity, while people who believe they are related to the victim have come forward.

DNA testing is being conducted to establish the victim’s identity conclusively, police said.

The investigation began after family members reported a woman missing. Her phone and vehicle were found at the Park Valley Apartments, according to police.

An officer initially responded to the complex on Wednesday evening and spoke with residents at several apartments. After about 30 minutes, the officer left and the family was reportedly advised to file a missing-person report with police in Atlanta because that was where the woman was last known to have been seen.

About 30 minutes later, officers returned to the apartment complex in response to the homicide investigation, according to police.

Investigators have not yet released details about the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death or established a motive. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue searching for evidence and determining whether additional suspects may be involved.

SOURCE: ABC News, Meredith Deliso, September 26, 2026.