26 Years Later, Carterville Police and GBI Investigators Still Seeking Answers in Patricia Hanlon’s Murder

CARTERSVILLE, Ga. – The Cartersville Police Department and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation continue to investigate the 2000 murder of Patricia Ann Hanlon and are asking anyone with information to come forward as detectives work to identify the person responsible for her death more than 26 years later.

The Cartersville Police Department, in partnership with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, is continuing its investigation into the murder of 53-year-old Patricia Ann Hanlon, whose death has remained unsolved since the summer of 2000.

Hanlon was found dead on July 27, 2000, inside the bedroom of her apartment in the 130 block of North Erwin Street in Cartersville.

Investigators said the condition of the scene indicated Hanlon had been dead for several days before she was discovered. Authorities believe the homicide occurred sometime between July 21 and July 27, 2000.

Evidence collected at the scene confirmed Hanlon was the victim of a violent homicide, but despite years of investigative work, no one has been charged in the case.

At the time of her death, Hanlon worked at Lacey Mills in Cartersville, where investigators said she was known as a dedicated employee. Her killing had a lasting impact on her family, friends and the community.

“This case remains a priority for our agency,” Cartersville Police Chief Kevin Cloninger said. “After more than two decades, we have not given up our commitment to finding those responsible for Patricia’s murder. Someone knows what happened, and even the smallest piece of information could provide the breakthrough we need. Memories fade, circumstances change, and people who may have been reluctant to speak in the past may now be willing to come forward. We encourage anyone with information to contact us.”

Investigators believe there are people who have information about Hanlon’s murder who have never spoken with law enforcement. They said details that may have seemed insignificant years ago could now prove critical when combined with evidence gathered throughout the investigation.

The Cartersville Police Department and the GBI said they remain committed to pursuing every available lead until Hanlon’s killer is identified and brought to justice.

Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Cartersville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 770-387-5690. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through the City of Cartersville’s online tip portal, by contacting the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Calhoun at 706-624-1424, calling 1-800-597-TIPS (8477), or by using the GBI’s “See Something, Send Something” mobile app.