Atlanta Police Arrest Husband in 25-Year-Old Cold Case Murder of Missing Woman
Atlanta police have arrested Christopher Wolfenbarger, the husband of Melissa Wolfenbarger, who was found murdered over 25 years ago.
Melissa Wolfenbarger disappeared in December 1998 from her family’s home in Atlanta.
Investigation Timeline
- April 29, 1999: Partial human remains were discovered at 858 Avon Ave. These remains were initially misidentified as male from Twiggs County.
- June 3, 1999: Additional human remains were found in trash bags off Hartford Avenue, between Hartford Place and Avon Avenue.
- January 2000: Melissa was reported missing by her mother in Henry County.
- March 14, 2003: The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the remains as Melissa Wolfenbarger. Her husband, Christopher, was named a person of interest, but no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence.
The case was reassigned on May 25, 2021, to veteran homicide detective Jarion (Jay) Shepherd of the Atlanta Police Department’s cold case unit. Through witness reinterviews, new leads, and advanced DNA analysis, the investigation advanced.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Christopher Wolfenbarger was arrested at his home in Griffin (Spalding County) by a joint team from the U.S. Marshal’s Office, Atlanta Police Department, and Spalding Sheriff’s Office Special Operations and Investigators. The arrest was complicated as Wolfenbarger was found hiding behind a dryer in his home.
Christopher Wolfenbarger has been charged with Melissa’s murder. Melissa’s mother, Norma Patton, expressed relief at the arrest, stating, “We have finally made it! He’s in custody and now we just need to get over the last hurdle and get him convicted.” Melissa’s sister also commented on the arrest, stating they believed Christopher was the murderer from the beginning.
