Cobb County District Attorney Sonya F. Allen announced the conviction of Charles Franklin Cook, 42, for the murder of his girlfriend, Melinda Colleen Jolly. Cook was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and three counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. Judge Kimberly A. Childs sentenced him to life without parole plus an additional 30 years in confinement.
The case dates back to January 17, 2024, when Jolly was discovered dead by a cousin during a welfare check at her home. Cook had fled their Marietta residence two days earlier and was apprehended on January 18 in Okaloosa County, Florida. He was later extradited to Cobb County Adult Detention Center on January 27 and charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault — family violence, and cruelty to children related to Jolly's death.
Cook had prior charges from October 2023 for second-degree cruelty to children after allegedly picking up Jolly’s four-year-old twins from school while intoxicated. He reportedly fell asleep while supervising them, leading one child to become trapped in a car for half an hour before being rescued by law enforcement.
District Attorney Allen emphasized the importance of justice for victims of violence: “We are committed to seeking justice for the victims of violence in Cobb County,” she stated. “This case is a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting those who are most vulnerable, and we hope today’s conviction brings some measure of closure to the family affected by this senseless loss.”
The prosecution team included Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Green and Jared Horowitz. Richard Nolan Blevins Jr. served as defense counsel for Cook.
The Cobb County District Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude towards the Cobb County Police Department and others involved in resolving the case.