CANTON, Ga. — A Cherokee County court has delivered a verdict in a chilling case of murder involving a local attorney, whose death in July 2018 was as brutal as it was shocking. District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway revealed that the victim, Gary Farris, was murdered on his own property by his wife, Melody Farris, who later attempted to cover up the crime by burning his body.
The gruesome discovery of Gary Farris’ charred remains was made by the couple’s youngest son, Scott Farris, on a burn pile at their extensive Purcell Lane estate, setting off a complex investigation led by local authorities. The victim was a prominent attorney, known for founding the Atlanta office of the regional law firm Burr and Forman.
Early in the investigation, sheriff’s department officials suggested that the murder was not the result of a random act of violence, indicating that Gary Farris knew his assailant. However, his wife, Melody Farris, was not immediately suspected.
Over the ensuing months, detectives pieced together the events leading to Gary Farris’ death. According to the sheriff’s office, evidence collected suggested that Melody Farris had shot her husband within their home before attempting to destroy both his body and any incriminating evidence by setting them alight on their property.
The case took a dramatic turn when DNA technology confirmed the identity of the remains, and Melody Farris allegedly confessed to her involvement in her husband’s death during a conversation with Rusty Barton, a man from Tennessee with whom she was romantically involved. During a probable cause hearing, Cherokee Sheriff’s Office Detective Daniel Hayes testified regarding the distressing details of the case, including the alleged confession.
Amidst the investigation, there were contrasting claims about the family’s stance. An attorney for Melody Farris claimed that the couple’s four children supported their mother. However, this was contradicted by statements from the eldest son, Chris Farris, who expressed his deep disappointment and distress over the situation, highlighting his father’s respected stature in the community.
The Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Frank Reynolds, credited the successful resolution of the case to the cooperative efforts between multiple law enforcement agencies. This collaboration proved vital in navigating the complex aspects of the investigation and securing evidence necessary for prosecution.
After being granted bond in November 2019, Melody Farris was out on bail until her recent conviction. Upon the jury’s decision, she was taken back into custody, awaiting a December sentencing that will conclude a case that has gripped the community for years.
The resolution of this case marks a poignant moment for Cherokee County, as the justice system moves to finalize the punishment for a crime that has emotionally impacted many, from the first responders on the scene to the jurors and witnesses involved in the trial.