Waitress found dead in Oconee Co. was murdered

WATKINSVILLE - A woman found dead Wednesday alongside a road in Oconee County was a murder victim, according to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities said Misty Michelle Myrick, 38, was found dead on Simonton Road. They would not say how Myrick was killed, citing the ongoing investigation into her death.

A report in the Athens Banner Herald indicated Myrick was a waitress for Waffle House. She apparently worked at several of the restaurants in the Athens area over the last several years. Authorities told the newspaper Myrick's occupation could be important to the murder investigation.

Myrick's body was discovered around 2:30 p.m. on May 29 by a passing motorist, according to investigators.

Her body was sent to the State Crime Lab for analysis.