Secret Service Joins Investigation as Loganville CVS Shooting Deepens in Complexity

Loganville, GA
Loganville’s investigation into the fatal shooting of CVS pharmacy employee Kimberly “Kim” Whaley has entered a new and unexpected phase, with the United States Secret Service now assisting local and state agencies in the search for answers. The development marks a significant escalation in the effort to identify the person responsible for Whaley’s death, which occurred in the busy parking lot of the Loganville CVS on November 14.

 

Whaley, 62, was found with a gunshot wound to the head around 2 p.m. that afternoon. First responders rushed her to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, where she later died from her injuries. Her loss has deeply shaken the Loganville community, where she was known as a compassionate, reliable, and upbeat member of the CVS team. A spokesperson for CVS described her as “a beloved member of the store team” whose kindness was felt by everyone who came through the pharmacy drive-thru.

 

A Multi-Agency Investigation Expands

 

In a detailed public statement issued this week, Loganville Police Chief Dick Lowry confirmed that the Secret Service is now providing investigative support. While Secret Service involvement in a local homicide investigation is unusual, Lowry did not elaborate on the specific reason for their participation. Instead, he emphasized that the case has become a coordinated effort involving multiple law-enforcement and prosecutorial agencies.

 

According to Lowry, the investigation now includes assistance from:

• United States Secret Service
• Monroe Police Department
• Walton County Sheriff’s Office
• Walton County District Attorney’s Office
• Georgia Bureau of Investigation

 

Lowry described the case as “the highest possible priority” for every agency involved, stressing that investigators are “leaving no stone unturned and no investigative lead unfollowed.”

 

Person of Interest Released; No Charges Filed

 

One of the most significant clarifications in Lowry’s statement addressed the person of interest who was detained the night of the shooting. Early in the investigation, officers located and detained an individual in Lawrenceville after a BOLO alert and license-plate reader hit pointed authorities to a specific vehicle.

 

However, Lowry confirmed that the individual was released after officers determined there was not sufficient probable cause to make an arrest. No charges were filed, and as of now, there is no one in custody.

Despite releasing the individual, Lowry emphasized that the search for the shooter remains active and aggressive.

 

“That has not reduced our efforts to make an arrest in this case and ensure the offender faces the full weight of the Walton County judicial system,” Lowry said.

 

Police Tight-Lipped as Investigation Continues

 

Chief Lowry acknowledged the frustration many residents have expressed due to the lack of detailed updates. He made it clear that the limited flow of information is intentional.

 

“Due to the sensitive nature of this case, and in an effort to fully protect the integrity of our investigative efforts, release of information has been very limited. That is by design, and that decision rests solely on me,” he wrote.

 

Lowry warned that releasing details prematurely could jeopardize the investigation and its eventual prosecution.

 

“The stakes are simply too high for me to release information that could jeopardize this case,” he said.

 

Community Impact and Ongoing Questions

 

The murder of Kimberly Whaley has left a profound emotional impact on Loganville residents and coworkers who knew her well. Customers described her as someone who brought warmth and familiarity to her role at CVS, often remembering names, families, and personal stories of those she served.

 

Her death has also intensified concerns about violence in public spaces and has left many questioning how such a targeted and swift attack could occur in broad daylight at a major retail location.

 

Adding to the mystery is the involvement of the Secret Service, which has fueled numerous theories and speculation among local residents. Authorities have not confirmed whether the involvement relates to financial crimes, identity theft, cyber-related issues, federal jurisdiction, or potential involvement of a protected individual. None of these theories have been substantiated, as investigators have not disclosed why federal participation was requested.

 

What Comes Next

 

With no suspect publicly identified, no motive disclosed, and no details released about what led up to the shooting, the case remains wide open. Detectives from multiple agencies continue processing evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, conducting interviews, and pursuing leads that have not been publicly described.

 

Chief Lowry reaffirmed the department’s commitment to solving the case and delivering justice for Whaley and her family.

 

Anyone with information is urged to contact Loganville Police Sgt. Clint Kitchens at 770-466-8087.