(MARIETTA, Ga. — Feb. 5, 2025) — Cobb County District Attorney Sonya F. Allen announced that Charles Franklin Cook, 42, was found guilty of felony murder, aggravated assault, and three counts of cruelty to children in the second degree. Cobb Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs sentenced him to life without the possibility of parole plus an additional 30 years to serve in confinement.

On Jan. 17, 2024, Melinda Colleen Jolly, 44, was found dead by a cousin during a welfare check at her home.

Jolly’s longtime boyfriend, Charles Cook, fled their Marietta home on Jan. 15, 2024. Cook was arrested on Jan. 18, 2024, in Okaloosa County, Florida, and extradited to the Cobb County Adult Detention Center on Jan. 27, where he was charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault — family violence, and cruelty to children in connection with Jolly's death.

Cook had previously been charged with second-degree cruelty to children in October 2023 after allegedly picking up Jolly’s four-year-old twins from school while under the influence of alcohol. Cook reportedly fell asleep while watching the children, who then wandered outside. One of the children became trapped in Jolly’s car for 30 minutes before 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 on behalf of the state. Richard Nolan Blevins Jr. represented the defendant.

The Cobb County District Attorney’s Office thanks the Cobb County Police Department and all those involved in bringing the case to justice.