Wife Convicted in Murder of Atlanta Attorney Gary Farris

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Ga. — A chilling murder case that divided a prominent Atlanta family has reached its conclusion with the conviction of Melody Farris for the 2018 killing of her husband, Gary “Big Daddy” Farris. The case, which will be featured on NBC‘s “Dateline” this Friday, reveals a story of betrayal, greed, and a gruesome attempt to conceal the crime.

Gary Farris, a 58-year-old attorney and founder of a regional law firm’s Atlanta office, was reported missing in July 2018. His remains were later discovered on a burn pile on the family’s Cherokee County property by his youngest son. Investigators determined that Farris had been shot by his wife, Melody Farris, who then attempted to hide the evidence by burning his body.

In December, a jury convicted Melody Farris on multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, and making a false statement. Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway described the case as “horrific” and emphasized the emotional toll it took on everyone involved, from first responders to jurors.

“A man was shot, and his remains were later discovered,” Treadaway said in a statement following the November conviction. “The shocking facts of this crime will forever remain with all who were involved in this case. Today, through this verdict, we are able to finally bring justice for Gary Farris.”

Investigators pieced together the case using DNA evidence and Melody Farris’ own confession to her lover, Rusty Barton. During a probable cause hearing, Cherokee County Detective Daniel Hayes testified that Melody had told Barton, “He’s on the burn pile,” referring to her husband’s remains.

Melody Farris was granted a $250,000 bond in November 2019 and remained out of jail until her conviction. She is now serving her sentence at Arrendale State Prison in Habersham County, Georgia. Court records indicate that she must serve a minimum of 30 years before being considered for parole.

The case, which took more than six years to resolve, highlights the complexities of familial betrayal and the lengths to which some will go to conceal their crimes. The upcoming “Dateline” episode, reported by correspondent Keith Morrison, will delve deeper into the investigation and the family dynamics that led to this tragic outcome.