The Farris homicide will be the focus of NBC’s “Dateline,” reported by correspondent Keith Morrison and airing at 9 p.m. Friday.
The case dates back several years to when Gary Farris was reported missing. And though his wife became the only suspect, it would take more than six years before a jury convicted Melody Farris.
“In July 2018, a horrific murder occurred in Cherokee County,” said District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway in a statement after the November conviction. “A man was shot, then left on a burn pile, where his remains were later discovered. The victim, Gary Farris, was killed by his wife on his own property. The shocking facts of this crime will forever remain with all who were involved in this case, including first responders, prosecutors, jurors and witnesses. Today, through this verdict, we are able to finally bring justice for Gary Farris.”
It was the couple’s youngest son who found his father’s remains on the family property. It would take weeks for authorities to determine that the extensively burned remains belonged to the 58-year-old man, an attorney for the regional law firm Burr and Forman and the founder of its Atlanta office.
Early in the investigation, deputies felt confident Gary Farris had known his killer.
DNA and Melody Farris’ own confession to the man she was seeing on the side ultimately led investigators to their suspect.
“He’s on the burn pile,” she allegedly told Rusty Barton, her Tennessee love interest at the time. Cherokee sheriff’s office Detective Daniel Hayes testified about the phone call and other jarring details during a probable cause hearing after her arrest.
In November 2019, Farris was granted a $250,000 bond and was out of jail until her conviction. She’s now serving at Arrendale State Prison in Habersham County, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections.
As part of her sentence, Melody Farris does have the possibility of parole, court records show. She must serve a minimum of 30 years in order to be considered for parole, the judge ruled.
In a shocking turn of events, the latest episode of Dateline featured the murder of an Atlanta attorney who was shot by his own wife and left on a burn pile. The story unfolded with chilling details as investigators delved into the twisted relationship between the victim and his killer.
The attorney, well-known in his community for his successful legal practice, was found dead in a remote area outside of the city. His wife initially claimed that he had gone missing, but suspicions quickly rose when inconsistencies in her story were uncovered.
As the investigation progressed, it was revealed that the attorney's wife had a history of mental health issues and a tumultuous relationship with her husband. The motive for the murder was unclear, but it was evident that the wife had carefully planned the crime and attempted to cover her tracks.
Viewers were left on the edge of their seats as Dateline reporters pieced together the evidence and uncovered the truth behind the attorney's tragic death. The episode served as a stark reminder of the dark side of human nature and the devastating consequences of unchecked emotions.
The case of the Atlanta attorney's murder will no doubt leave a lasting impact on all those who followed the story, serving as a cautionary tale of how quickly one's life can unravel in the face of betrayal and violence. Stay tuned for more updates on this chilling case as the investigation continues to unfold.
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