'I cry goodbye': LCSO IDs woman found dead near Georgia border amid 'vehicular homicide' investigation
The Leon County Sheriff's Office identified the woman whose body was discovered on the side of a road near the Florida-Georgia state line in late July.
Kia Deavens, 36, was found dead at Fairbanks Ferry Road and Owls Hollow Crest, off North Meridian Road, on the afternoon of July 31.
With the permission of her family, LCSO published Deavens' name Wednesday — her birthday.
Background: Woman found dead on roadside near state line, LCSO investigates as 'traffic fatality'
LCSO initially investigated the incident as a "traffic fatality pending results of an autopsy."
Now detectives are investigating the case as a vehicular homicide.
"We are looking for anyone who may have been in that area around 2 p.m. to help identify any vehicles that may have been in the area," LCSO spokesperson Angela Green told the Democrat Wednesday night.
Additionally, Big Bend Crime Stoppers offered a $9,500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case.
'This just can't be life'
The Tallahassee Democrat called and direct messaged members of Deavens' family for comment. No one was immediately available.
On Aug. 1, the day after Deavens' death, her cousin penned a mournful Facebook post.
"...she had family that loves her and nieces &nephews she took care of a sister who adores her and a little cousin(me) who followed behind her like she could do no wrong," the post reads.
"I’m laying here this morning and our laughs and memories are on a loop. This just can’t be life."
🚨LCSO CASE ALERT, INFORMATION NEEDED: Big Bend Crime Stoppers is NOW offering a cash reward of up to $9,500 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the death of Kia Deavens. Callers will be given a tip code that can be checked for updates on the case. Tipsters must use the anonymous system to receive the reward. If you have any information about this case you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 850-574-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online by clicking here: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=269#ShareThisPost #SeeSomethingSaySomething #CrimeStoppers
Posted by Leon County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Others posted heartfelt and solemn messages on an obituary page.
"With a sadden heart, I cry goodbye to my sister, my friend, my girl. We have been friends for 20 years," one person wrote. "In those 20 years we built so many memories that can't be erased. I love you so much and a part of you will always exist in me."
'No update' in other death investigation
In early August, a body was found by a passerby in a strip of woods near a gas station and shopping mall off East Mahan Drive
Detectives immediately began an investigation and sent the remains to the District 2 Medical Examiner's Office.
Weeks later, "there is no update in the case," Green said.
More: Body found in Tallahassee woods: LCSO investigates death of unidentified person
How to submit tips
Tipsters must use the anonymous system to receive the reward cash reward. To submit a tip over the phone, call (850) 574-8477.
Submit tips online by searching https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=269.
Contact Christopher Cann at ccann@tallahassee.com and follow @ChrisCannFL on Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Leon Sheriff's Office IDs woman found dead near state border, investigating as 'vehicular homicide'
