Jefferson woman's body found in freezer

Police found the body of Billie Welty was inside a small freezer in the kitchen of her apartment, located at Brooklyn Chase Apartments on Banks Road in Jefferson. She lived alone in the apartment.

The cause of death has not yet been determined, and her body is at the crime lab in Decatur. Results of the autopsy are not expected until Thursday. The body was frozen and the autopsy can’t be completed until it thaws naturally, according to officials.

Police Chief Joe Wirthman said Tuesday that there was no apparent signs of foul play.

“Looking at the body, it doesn’t look like it was foul play,” he said. “It could have been accidental or it could have been foul play.”

Wirthman said her husband, who she was separated from, found the body. He had last seen her Wednesday. A neighbor reported seeing her Thursday and that is the last time anyone saw her alive.

Wirthman said numerous people have already been interviewed.

“It is still under investigation so we don’t know if it was accidental, suicide or foul play,” he added.