One day after her body was found decapitated in the garage of a Newark residence, authorities say an investigation into the death of Pamela Davis is ongoing.
Davis body was fond decapitated in a Newark garage, sources say. NEWARK -- One day after her body was found decapitated in the garage of a Newark residence, residents of the neighborhood Pamela Davis called home spoke of how Davis's death has left them "shocked."
"We knew she was missing, but I don't think anybody expected this," said Sabrina Martin, a neighbor who said she's known Davis since moving to South 11th Street 15 years ago.
Davis, 50, was a quiet, but friendly presence in the neighborhood, Martin said. She had three children, and could be seen escorting the youngest of them to the school bus each weekday morning, Davis said.
Another neighbor, who declined to be named, said that Davis worked as a home health aide.
MORE: Authorities identify decapitated body found in Newark garage
"You could see her out here all the time, walking her dog or bringing home groceries after work," he said. "She would always stop and talk to me and my family when we were out on the porch. It's just very sad."
Attempts to reach members of Davis's immediate family for comment were unsuccessful. She was reported missing on Oct. 30 after leaving her home the previous evening, neighbors said.
Authorities on Wednesday said an investigation into Davis' death is ongoing.
"The investigation is continuing and is active at this time," said Thomas Fennelly, Chief Assistant Prosecutor with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.
On Wednesday, investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and Newark Police Department could still be seen canvassing the neighborhood-- a stretch of South 11th Street lined by stately multiple-story homes --surrounding the home where Davis body was discovered
Newark police officers made the grim discovery Monday night, after authorities received reports of a foul smell emanating from the garage at the home. Davis herself was not herself a resident of the home, authorities said. A sign advertising mechanics services hung on the fence outside is the only outward indication of who does.
It remains unclear whether Davis's body was mutilated before or after she died. Sources close to the investigation who spoke on the condition of anonymity told NJ Advance Media that Davis' body was found decapitated.
Officials with the Essex County Prosecutor's Office have declined to comment on the condition of Davis' remains.
Authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of Davis' death, Fennelly said.
Vernal Coleman can be reached at vcoleman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @vernalcoleman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.