CANTON, Ga. (TCN) — A judge sentenced a 64-year-old woman for fatally shooting her “brilliant lawyer” husband in their home and burning his body on their property, although she claims her son pulled the trigger.
The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office announced Dec. 5 that Melody Farris must serve life in prison plus an additional five years for killing her husband, David Farris. Farris was convicted in November of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, and making a false statement following an 18-day trial.
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office detectives discovered Gary Farris’ remains in a burn pile on the family’s property. Officials saw the fire and Farris reportedly told them that her husband started it earlier that week. He had been reported missing at the time, but Farris reportedly mentioned that “Mr. Farris had medical problems, suggesting a medical emergency or accidental death.”
During their investigation, detectives discovered a bullet inside Gary Farris’ rib cage, as well as a casing in their residence and blood on the floor.
According to WAGA-TV, Melody Farris and Gary Farris had a rocky marriage in the years leading up to his killing due to fights about money. Melody Farris also had an affair in 2009.
Farris gave a statement at her sentencing and told Judge David Cannon that her son Scott killed Gary Farris. She said, “I know that in my heart, body, and soul, who did this. And I am begging for help. I’m begging you, Judge Cannon. Please do not send me to prison for something I didn’t do. I did not do this. If I had done this, I would take this charge gladly.”
She claimed she saw Scott Farris near the burn pile and that he framed her for the killing.
Farris will be eligible for parole after 30 years.
Assistant District Attorney Meaghan Frankish described Gary Farris as a “brilliant lawyer, a forgiving man, and a beloved father and grandfather.”
District Attorney Susan Treadway said in her statement, “The disturbing facts of this case, complex investigation, and long prosecution have taken the focus away from the fact that an innocent man was brutally murdered and burned on his own property. A good man was lost on that day, and a family was forever divided. This horrifying crime will remain with us always. Our hope is that this sentence will bring some measure of peace.”