Son says finding 77-year-old mom stabbed to death after car robbery ‘will be with me forever’

Family holds vigil for 77-year-old homicide victim

As police continue their search for the killer of a 77-year-old grandmother, her family held a vigil Sunday night in her honor.

ATLANTA - Atlanta police are investigating a deadly stabbing at a home late Saturday night on Paces West Terrace in Buckhead.

Officers went to a home in the Paces West neighborhood at around 5:50 p.m. and found 77-year-old Eleanor Bowles with "multiple lacerations." Investigators believe the murder suspects were caught in the midst of a crime when they killed Bowles.

"I was on my way to visit her for the holidays and got to her a few hours too late," Bowles' son Michael told FOX 5. "Finding her like that is something that will be with me forever. What happened to her was her worst nightmare. It’s most people’s worst nightmare."

Ellen Bowles and her son, Michael Bowles. (Credit: Michael Bowles) (Supplied)

Police think the murder happened between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Police said her 2021 Lexus SUV was stolen, but police found it later in DeKalb County. Police are looking for security video that shows the car, which drove throughout the city on Saturday.

Police shared images of a person of interest they're searching for. The person is wearing black Adidas pants and long sleeve shirt and appears to be getting into the Lexus.

Police are searching for a person of interest in a deadly stabbing at a home in Buckhead.

Police said they aren't sure if more than one person is involved in the killing.

"I am committed to getting the word out about this outrageous tragedy," Michael said. "And I want everyone to understand that none of us are safe. I hope that people read this story and understand this, and then maybe we can all collectively effectuate some change. I will carry that message with me forever, for mom."

On Sunday evening, family and friends gathered at a vigil outside her home in her honor. They lit candles, hugged each other and sang Amazing Grace.

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On Sunday evening, family and friends gathered at a vigil outside Eleanor Bowles' home in her honor.

From: FOX 5 Atlanta

"She was just a wonderful kind generous woman," said David McBride, who identified himself as her other son. "This last 24 hours has just been a bit of a blur."

Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information, which can be reported to Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.

"This is terrible," said Deputy Chief Charles Hampton, Jr. "This is not a way that a family should have to spend their holiday season morning and grieving the death of a loved one."