Marietta Man Sentenced to Life for Murder of Girlfriend and Abuse of Children

Charles Franklin Cook, 42, of Marietta, Georgia, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 30 years, after being found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and three counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. The sentencing was handed down by Cobb Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs.

Cook’s conviction stems from the death of his longtime girlfriend, Melinda Colleen Jolly, 44, whose body was discovered on January 17, 2024, by a cousin conducting a welfare check at her home. Jolly had been killed two days earlier, on January 15, 2024, with authorities later determining Cook’s involvement.

Cook fled the scene following Jolly’s death, and was arrested in Okaloosa County, Florida, on January 18, 2024. He was subsequently extradited to Cobb County, where he faced multiple charges, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children in connection with Jolly’s death.

In addition to his involvement in Jolly’s murder, Cook had a prior history of child abuse. In October 2023, he was charged with second-degree cruelty to children after allegedly picking up Jolly’s four-year-old twins from school while intoxicated. Cook reportedly fell asleep while watching the children, who wandered outside. One child became trapped in Jolly’s car for 30 minutes, and law enforcement had to break a window to rescue the child.

“We are committed to seeking justice for the victims of violence in Cobb County,” said District Attorney Sonya F. Allen. “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.”

Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Green and Jared Horowitz prosecuted the case, while Richard Nolan Blevins Jr. represented the defendant. The Cobb County District Attorney’s Office extended its thanks to the Cobb County Police Department and all those involved in bringing the case to justice.