A 44-year-old mother of four from Marietta, Georgia, was found dead in her home following a welfare check conducted by her cousin on Wednesday, January 17, 2024.
The discovery of Melinda Jolly’s body in the 3200 block of Perch Drive has led to the arrest of Charles Franklin Cook, 41, her boyfriend, on charges of murder and aggravated assault.
According to Cobb County Police, a welfare check was prompted by the family after neighbors reported not receiving a response from Jolly’s home.
The last police check on Melinda Jolly was on January 15, just two days before she was found dead. Previous instances of domestic violence had been reported at her home, adding to the suspicions surrounding her death.
Authorities determined that Jolly died from severe blunt force injuries to her head and neck. Witnesses claimed to have seen Cook leaving her home around the supposed time of her death.
Investigators quickly identified Cook as the prime suspect, leading to his arrest in a Publix parking lot in Crestview, Florida, on January 18 by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
A GoFundMe page set up by Jolly’s sister, Kathleen Jolly, provides insight into the victim’s life. Melinda Jolly moved to Georgia from California in 2019 with her four children after the death of her husband from cancer, and the birth of her twins, to be closer to her family.
The page goes on to describe Cook as an “abusive monster” and emphasizes Jolly’s loving nature and devotion to her children.
A statement from her family describes Jolly as a compassionate, kind person with a big heart who loved her children dearly. Her sister Kathleen noted that the family had become aware of her sister being in an abusive relationship.
Cook has a previous arrest record, including an incident in October where he was charged with two counts of child cruelty after police found Jolly’s four-year-old child locked inside a hot vehicle and screaming.
Now in custody at the Okaloosa County Jail without bond, Cook awaits extradition to Georgia.