New Evidence in 2019 Gwinnett County Cold Case Leads to Arrest

After nearly four years, Gwinnett County Police believe they have solved the 2019 homicide of Ray Neal, thanks to new evidence and a tip from the victim’s family.

A Lawrenceville woman is now facing charges in connection with the killing.

Just The Facts:

• The Victim: Ray Neal, 61, was found dead in his Lawrenceville home on July 20, 2019. His death was initially believed to be related to medical conditions but was later ruled a homicide after funeral workers discovered stab wounds on his neck.
• The Breakthrough: Earlier this year, Neal’s family contacted the Gwinnett Cold Case Unit, alleging that Carmen Marie Hunt, 50, was responsible. Hunt was already in jail for a separate stabbing incident in 2022.
• The Evidence: Investigators reexamined fingerprints collected in 2019, reviewed security footage, and conducted new interviews. Based on this evidence, detectives believe Hunt killed Neal and have charged her with felony murder and aggravated assault.
• Current Status: Hunt remains in the Gwinnett County Jail, where she is also being held on charges related to the 2022 stabbing.

The Details: The investigation began in 2019, when Neal’s sister found him unresponsive in his home on Lexington Drive after he failed to answer her calls. Officers initially noted blood in the bedroom and bathroom but suspected Neal’s death might be related to his known medical conditions. Funeral workers later uncovered stab wounds that prompted the medical examiner to rule Neal’s death a homicide.

The case went cold for several years until Neal’s family contacted Sgt. Hegwood, supervisor of the Cold Case Unit, in 2024. They suggested that Carmen Hunt, who had been charged in a separate stabbing, was the likely suspect.

Detectives reopened the investigation, focusing on fingerprints and other evidence from the scene. With a clearer timeline of events, Sgt. Hegwood brought Hunt in for questioning. Police say the new evidence supports their belief that Hunt is responsible for Neal’s death, leading to felony murder and aggravated assault charges.

In Context: While investigators are confident in their findings, Hunt has not been convicted, and the case will move through the legal system.

How You Can Help: If you have information about this case or any other cold case in Gwinnett County, contact the Cold Case Unit or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may help bring justice to other victims.

⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.