A man wanted in connection with the death of a Marietta mother of four was captured in Florida, Cobb County police officials reported. Melinda Jolly, 44, was found deceased in her home on Perch Drive after a relative checking in on her welfare discovered her body, according to statements obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. Charles Cook, 41, of Marietta has been arrested and charged with murder and aggravated assault in the slaying of Jolly.
Daniele Burdett, a neighbor described the scene of Jolly's home at the time of the investigation, saying, "Crime scene units came out, and the whole block was filled with police officers, detectives." Cook was tracked down by special investigators in a Publix parking lot in Crestview, Florida, on January 18 and detained on outstanding warrants from Cobb County, as stated in an Atlanta News First report.
Jolly, a widow who had relocated to Georgia from California for a fresh start following her husband's cancer-related death, leaves behind her four children. The family has since established a GoFundMe account to support Jolly's kids, "Her kids played with my kids, and we would have parties and get-togethers," Jill Thompson, Jolly's cousin recalled in a heartfelt note shared by FOX 5 Atlanta.
According to the same report from FOX 5 Atlanta, there had been previous visits by law enforcement to Jolly's residence for domestic violence. Jolly's family reportedly alerted authorities multiple times concerned for her safety. "She came here for a fresh start, and he preyed on her and even through all the abuse he was sending her way, she was still so strong," Thompson told FOX 5 Atlanta. An arrest warrant cited by Atlanta News First alleged that Jolly suffered "multiple blunt force trauma injuries to the head and neck" during what appeared to be a domestic dispute.
Following his capture, Cook will now face extradition back to Georgia where he is set to stand trial. "Please pray for the children because they are left without a mother and a father." Jolly’s family shared on the fundraiser page, indicating the harrowing future the children must now navigate. The family has called for support and prayers as they grapple with the tragic loss and its aftermath.
