Gaston County police are investigating a possible homicide after 23-year-old Aaliyah Michelle Fortner was found dead in her Gastonia home. The discovery occurred on Sunday, at a residence on Greenbrook Trail, which is within Gastonia city limits but has a Dallas mailing address. Officials were called to the scene around 11:38 p.m., according to WBTV. The cause of Fortner’s death has not been disclosed, and no arrests have been made.
As per WCNC, the incident report describes the death as suspicious and possibly a homicide. The report indicates that Fortner may have died sometime between the morning and late evening last Thursday. The home where Fortner was found was previously a licensed facility known as Wallace Williams Home, which served individuals with developmental disabilities.
As per The Gaston Gazette, it is unclear whether the home still operates in this capacity. Fortner, who had severe autism and was nonverbal, was formerly under the guardianship of Glenda Watkins. Watkins said that she tried to reconnect with Fortner earlier this year but was unable to reach her most recent caregiver. Police continue to investigate Fortner’s death and are asking the community to provide any information that could help clarify the events leading up to it.
