A Kennesaw man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering his mother, whose body was discovered during a welfare check in Cobb County. Daniel Sarris, 28, faces charges of aggravated assault and murder after his 67-year-old mother, Melanie Sarris, was found dead at their home on the 1000 block of Evian Way, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. The wellness check conducted on Monday led to the findings.
Previous interactions with law enforcement have been brought to light, revealing that Daniel Sarris has a past arrest record. On April 26, 2024, he was arrested for simple battery/family violence when he grabbed his 69-year-old father by his shirt during an attempted conversation. Although family members expressed concerns over Daniel's mental health, the Cobb County Solicitor’s Office declined prosecution following his counseling and due to a lack of violent contact in the subsequent three months. This information was detailed in documents obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The neighborhood where the incident occurred is described as close-knit, leaving residents shocked by the tragedy. Julie Cannon, a lifelong resident of the area, spoke about the disconcerting nature of such an event in their community. "They seem like a very normal family. Just heartbreaking," Cannon told Atlanta News First. She further recounted how Daniel Sarris, the suspect, appeared to withdraw from others as he got older, noting that the crime has left their tight-knit community in disbelief.
Responses from individuals connected to Melanie Sarris add a layer to this somber narrative. As a speech therapist within the Cobb County education system, her impact was felt by many. A former colleague described Melanie with fond memories, saying she was a "calm, quiet and friendly presence… always willing to help… always on top of her job," in a statement to FOX 5 Atlanta. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Melanie Sarris's death is ongoing, and authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Cobb County Police Department Major Crimes Unit.
