Latest update on Emerson homicide; victim identified as Herbert Perkinson, 49.

From the GBI: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested by Emerson Police this morning at 9 a.m. to assist in a kidnapping and armed robbery investigation at a residence in the 100 block of 11th Street in Emerson. About an hour after the reported kidnapping, Herbert Perkinson, 49, of Emerson was discovered alongside I-75 in Cherokee County by a passerby on the interstate who called 911. Perkinson was transported to a Kennesaw hospital where he was pronounced dead. The homicide investigation is active and ongoing as GBI agents, Emerson Police and the Cherokee County iInvestigators are working together to determine what happened and locate those responsible. An autopsy will be scheduled and performed by the GBI Medical Examiner’s Office in Decatur.

From Emerson Police Chief Stan Bradley: “On 01/17/16 at approx 5:15 a.m., a home invasion robbery occurred at a residence off of 11th Street in Emerson. I want to stress to Emerson residents that this was an isolated incident. It is apparent that the victim knew his assailants and was targeted by them due to a disagreement. At this point, there is no reason for anyone to expect any other actions by these assailants within the city. The Emerson Police, GBI and other law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation. Rest assured that the Emerson Police will still be conducting patrol functions and be available for service. Your safety is our priority and we will conduct business with this goal in mind.”