Rocky Mount, N.C. — Family and friends gathered at a Rocky Mount church on Monday to lay to rest a woman who police believe was murdered in her apartment on New Year's Day.

A relative found Carolyn Ranesome, 55, dead in her apartment at 912 Gregg Court on Jan. 2, officers said. The relative immediately contacted police, who established a crime scene investigation but did not label the death a homicide until two days later.

Officials said an autopsy determined that Ranesome was murdered, but they did not disclose the cause of death.

Neighbors said they did not see or hear anything strange on New Year's Day, when authorities believe the murder took place.

"It shocked me when it came down ... sure did," neighbor Isaac Cobb said. "It is quiet (here). We never have no commotion going on out here."

Investigators said Ranesome's purse was taken from the apartment, but they have released few details about the crime. Detectives said they were following several leads, but did not have any suspects.

Family members said they are worried because Ranesome's killer has not been caught.

Ranesome's death marked the first murder of the year in Rocky Mount. In 2007, the city saw 14 homicides – the most in 12 years and two short of a record.

On Monday, Rocky Mount police were still investigating the shooting deaths of two women who were found dead in their home on Dec. 21. Investigators do not believe the double homicide is connected with Ranesome's death.

Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation is urged to call the Rocky Mount Police Department at 252-972-1411 or Twin County  Crimestoppers at 252-977-1111.

Ranesome has two grown children and was an active member at Light of Peace church. Friends said they do not know why anyone would want to hurt her.

"She was a pretty nice person," Cobb said. "Everybody liked her."