MARIETTA, Ga. — Police have placed a man behind bars following the discovery of a Cobb County mother of four's body in her Marietta home. Her death has devastated family members who described her as a young woman with a “sparkle in her eye,” according to a post on an online fundraiser.
Law enforcement added that a family member discovered 44-year-old Melinda Jolly’s body on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at her residence in the 3200 block of Perch Drive.
Melinda’s sister, Kathleen Jolly, shared her sister’s journey to Georgia as she navigated heartbreaking news through her last pregnancy in a GoFundMe fundraiser description.
She added that when Melinda was pregnant with her twins in 2019, Melinda discovered her husband had stage four cancer. Following the birth of her child, her husband passed away, leaving her to raise their children "without the love of her life by her side." That’s when Melinda moved to Georgia, where she could be closer to her family.
In a Monday update, authorities charged Charles Cook, 41, with murder and aggravated assault. Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office arrested Cook in Florida on Thursday, Jan. 18. Authorities have not clarified when they will extradite Cook to Cobb County. He is currently in the Okaloosa County Jail.
“The abusive monster took Melinda’s life,” said her sister Kathleen after learning police had arrested the man accused of murder in her sister’s death.
Kathleen Jolly released a statement shortly after hearing about her death.
“We are still in shock by the loss of my little sister Melinda. All I can say with certainty is that losing Melinda has been indescribable, to say the least. We are devastated beyond measure. Melinda had the absolute biggest heart, and she was kind and compassionate with everyone she came across. Even in adversity, she remained strong for her family. Her children will miss her immensely, as will the rest of our family as well as her friends in Georgia and Southern California. We don’t understand how anyone could hurt someone that has never hurt anyone in her entire life. We find comfort in knowing that Melinda is at peace and in Heaven.”
In a GoFundMe fundraiser for the woman, family members further described Melinda as someone who loved animals, French music, and being a fast runner.
“She had a big heart and loved her children with everything she had. She was the best mom, a beloved daughter, a caring sister, a whimsical aunt, a gracious niece, and a forever friend. She was just a beautiful person, inside and out. She had the best smile and the craziest ideas. She will be missed by so many,” family members continued.
Police have not yet released the details behind how the incident unfolded, but Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office described the alleged crime as a “domestic violence related homicide.”
Police added the incident is still under investigation. The Cobb County Police Department asks anyone with information about Melinda's death to contact them at 770-499-4111.
Family members are raising funds for Melinda’s funeral services. Her family is asking to pray for her young children as they navigate this difficult time without their mother or father. To support the grieving family, you can click here.
If you or anyone you know might be involved in a domestic violence situation or is a victim of family violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
Also download the 11Alive News mobile app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia.