WATKINSVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Authorities are investigating the death of a 38-year-old waitress as a homicide after her body was found on the side of a road in northeast Georgia.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports (http://bit.ly/1381sl6) that Misty Michelle Myrick's death was deemed a homicide after a medical exam.

The woman, from the small town of Lexington, was found dead Wednesday afternoon on the shoulder of Simonton Bridge Road after a passing motorist spotted her body

Oconee County sheriff's officials would not disclose how she was killed.

Myrick has apparently worked at Waffle House restaurants in and around Athens.

Oconee County sheriff's Chief Deputy Lee Weems would not comment on her occupation as he said that it could have a bearing on the investigation. He also declined to elaborate on possible suspects.