Woman found dead in freezer identified

JEFFERSON - Authorities have identified the Jefferson woman whose body was found inside an open freezer in her home Sunday.

Jefferson Police Chief Joe Wirthman says police were called to 42-year-old Billie Welty's home Sunday after her estranged husband found her in a chest freezer. (See earlier story).

Wirthman says an autopsy is scheduled for this week.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Jim Fullington says Welty's body shows no obvious signs of foul play.

Wirthman says that while neighbors believe the death was accidental, police can't rule out foul play until after the autopsy.