Cherokee Wife Convicted Of Killing Husband, Leaving Him On Burn Pile

CANTON, GA — A Cherokee County jury on Monday found Melody Walker Farris, 64, guilty of murder in connection with the 2018 shooting and burning death of her 58-year-old husband, according to the local district attorney's office.

Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said Melody Farris was convicted of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another and making a false statement in connection with the death of her husband, Gary Wayne Farris.

Gary Farris was shot and left on a burn pile, where his remains were found, in July 2018 at his property, Treadaway said. She added the burn pile was located 100 yards from a Purcell Lane home.

Before his remains were identified, Treadaway said Gary Farris was missing.

Melody Farris told detectives that the fire was ignited by her husband in the days before the discovery. She told them he had medical issues, "suggesting a medical emergency or accidental death," Treadaway said.

After a bullet was found lodged in Gary Farris' rib cage, and a spent bullet was found in his home, Treadaway said foul play was suspected in his death. Blood spots were located on the home's basement floor and steps, she said.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation's Crime Lab determined Gary Farris' DNA was found on the spent bullet, Treadaway said.

A motive for the fatal shooting and subsequent burning was not released.

"The shocking facts of this crime will forever remain with all who were involved in this case, including first responders, prosecutors, jurors and witnesses,” Treadaway said in a news release. " ... through this verdict, we are able to finally bring justice for Gary Farris.”

Melody Farris is facing life in prison, Treadaway said. She was remanded into custody.

The trial against Melody Farris spanned 18 days, and the jury deliberated for three days.

Cherokee County Superior Court Judge David Cannon Jr. is set to sentence Melody Farris at a later date.