Body of Missing Woman Found at Chattooga County Transfer Station After Extensive Search

CHATTOOGA COUNTY, Ga. — A missing West Summerville woman was found dead Friday afternoon after an intensive multi-agency search that led investigators to a local waste transfer station, authorities confirmed.

According to Chattooga County Sheriff Mark A. Schrader, deputies were dispatched shortly before 2 p.m. on October 17, 2025, to a residence in West Summerville after a report of a possible stolen vehicle.

The investigation revealed that the vehicle, owned by the complainant’s grandmother, had been taken earlier that morning by the complainant’s mother, Kimberly Lindsey.

Family members told deputies they had been unable to reach Lindsey throughout the day.

Later, they discovered the vehicle parked behind the Family Dollar on Commerce Street, near the store’s dumpsters.

Personal belongings believed to be Lindsey’s were found inside.

Sheriff Schrader said Lindsey was known to frequent dumpsters to collect items, and her boyfriend reported that days earlier, he had helped her out of a waste container after she appeared to be under the influence of prescription medication.

When deputies and investigators arrived at the Family Dollar, they found the dumpsters had already been emptied earlier that day by a local waste management company.

The waste had been transported to the Chattooga County Transfer Station shortly after 1 p.m.

Given the timing and information from the family, law enforcement officials — including Sheriff Schrader, Chief Deputy Kevin Woods, Summerville Police detectives, and Chattooga County Public Works — coordinated a search at the transfer station.

With the assistance of Commissioner Blake Elsberry, Capt. Railey, Mr. Ledford, and Mr. Larkins from Public Works, crews used heavy equipment to move debris before beginning a slow, methodical hand search.

K9 Deputy Robinson and Mr. Larkins sifted through the waste piece by piece until Lindsey’s body was located. Coroner Jeremy McElhaney responded to the scene, and the Summerville Police Department processed the area.

Investigator D. Sanford provided aerial footage using a drone, while the Summerville Fire Department assisted with lighting.

Lindsey’s body will be transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office for further examination.

“This was not the outcome that we were hoping for,” Sheriff Schrader said in a statement. “I would like to thank all agencies and personnel for their quick response and assistance in this search. I truly believe that had the response not been so quick, and the search not been so thorough, that truck container would have been removed and transported out of county. Ms. Lindsey’s family may have never gotten closure. Please pray for this family during this terrible tragedy.”

Summerville Police Chief Brian Ozment also expressed his condolences and appreciation for the coordinated effort among responding agencies.