The FBI has confirmed to WSB that it has joined Atlanta police department’s investigation into the gruesome killing of a woman in Piedmont Park.

Katie Janness and her dog were stabbed to death early Wednesday morning in what police described as a “gruesome” scene.

Her wife said Janness went to walk Bowie after dinner and never returned.

It’s unclear how the FBI is assisting in the case, but police are currently investigating the case.

The killing of the 40-year-old woman has shocked the community.

“I mean, I’m a woman and I have a dog. It could have been me,” said Jennifer Hnat, who lives near the park.

More than 100 people attended a vigil for the woman Thursday night. Janness’ wife’s father attended and described the killer as a “monster.”

“What they did to her is ridiculous,” Joe told WSB′s Michael Seiden. “There is a monster on the loose in the city of Atlanta.”

Clark said that detectives have found new evidence they hope will lead them to an arrest. He says detectives told him they found DNA in Bowie’s, indicating Bowie may have tried to protect his owner by attacking her assailant.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for Janness’ funeral. You can donate here.

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