UPDATE -- Mt. Juliet Police Department is investigating the shooting death of a woman who was found shot to death in the driver’s seat of a vehicle early Thursday morning.

Police have identified the woman as 35-year old Mt. Juliet resident Sara McPherson.

e victim was discovered by a Mt. Juliet Police officer on patrol at about 1:13 a.m. at the U-Store-It storage facility off Central Pike near South Mt. Juliet Road.

“The woman was found shot to death in the driver’s seat. This is a homicide, and investigators are working diligently and swiftly by following all avenues that lead to the offender’s identity,” said Sgt. Tyler Chandler, director of Community Policing, in a news release.

Police Friday said an autopsy confirmed McPherson's death was a result of gunshot trauma.

Since the early morning hours, investigators have been scouring the crime scene in the frigid temperatures to piece together every bit of evidence, he said, adding that Lebanon Police Department’s Forensic Unit responded to the scene, and they are assisting Mt. Juliet investigators with their experience and resources.

The Medical Examiner has estimated that the death occurred anytime between 10 p.m. on Oct. 31 to when the officer first located her. The vehicle that the victim was in has been transported to a secure facility so it can be properly processed for evidence.

Investigators believe McPherson was targeted and said there is no danger to the public.

A person of interest has been identified but police declined to release anything further.

Anyone with any information on current investigations or ongoing crime trends is encouraged to call the MJPD at 754-2550. Information can also be given anonymously by calling 754-TIPS (8477) or via the MJPD website at http://www.mjpd.org/.