ATLANTA (Court TV) — A Georgia man was acquitted in the cold case murder of his wife, who was the daughter of a convicted serial killer.
(L) Christopher Wolfenbarger appears in court. (Court TV), (R) FILE – Melissa Wolfenbarger (Atlanta Police Department)
Christopher Wolfenbarger was arrested in August 2024 for the murder of Melissa Wolfenbarger. Her remains, including her severed head, were found in trash bags in April and June 1999. At the time, her remains were misidentified and weren’t positively identified until 2003, according to Atlanta police.
Melissa disappeared in late 1998. At the time, Christopher claimed she left on her own accord and never returned, according to court documents obtained by Court TV. He told investigators he never reported her missing because he assumed she had moved on with her life. Prosecutors said Melissa had filed for a temporary protective order against Christopher in July 1998, and she intended to leave him.
At a press conference announcing his arrest, authorities said Christopher was always a person of interest but did not detail what led to his arrest decades later. Court documents state Melissa’s remains were found “directly across the street” from where Christopher worked at the time.
A grand jury indicted Christopher on charges of murder and felony murder.
DAILY TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 7 – 8/22/25
- LIVESTREAM: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger – Day 7| Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Wendy Waddell, Melissa’s former neighbor and childhood friend, testified to the victim’s troubled childhood.
- Waddell said that Melissa and her sister were locked in their rooms daily from ages 7-12; she said the door locks on their rooms were reversed so they were locked in from the outside.
- She described a strong odor throughout Melissa’s home, which led to Melissa’s being bullied.
- Waddell moved away when she was 13 and last saw Melissa sometime in 1997 or 1998. She said that she tried to contact Melissa around Thanksgiving of 1998, but Chris answered the phone and wouldn’t let Waddell speak to her.
- Waddell admitted she currently uses heroin daily and was experiencing withdrawal symptoms while testifying.
- The defense rested its case.
- The prosecution recalled Detective Alton Calhoun, who testified to his interview with Kimberly Cambron, the defendant’s sister.
- Kimberly told the detectives that Melissa had planned to leave Chris.
- Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Vincent Faucett delivered the prosecution’s closing argument, emphasizing that Melissa was a mother and wife who never got to experience life with her children, and deserved the opportunity to live her life even if she wanted to leave the defendant.
- Faucett described Melissa as being manipulated, intimidated, coerced and abused and reminded the jury of witnesses describing hand marks and bruising on her.
- Faucett argued the defendant murdered Melissa when he lost control over her.
- WATCH: Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial: Prosecution Closing Argument
- Defense attorney Joel McDurmon delivered his closing argument, arguing the state’s case contained gaping holes and relied on imagination over evidence. He emphasized that no direct evidence points to Chris.
- McDurmon reminded the jury that DNA evidence, hair and pubic hair found with the remains did not match the defendant.
- McDurmon acknowledged domestic violence, but emphasized that this is a murder case.
- Chris’ attorney provided the jury with alternative scenarios for the victim’s death, including a drug overdose, unsafe abortion complications, suicide, Carl Patton or someone trying to frame the defendant.
- WATCH: Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial: Defense Closing Argument
- The jury deliberated for 2 hours and 12 minutes before finding Christopher Wolfenberger NOT GUILTY of murdering Melissa Wolfenbarger.
DAY 6 – 8/21/25
- LIVESTREAM: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger – Day 6| Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Kimberly Cambron (Christopher Wolfenbarger’s Sister) testified that she knew Melissa well.
- Stated that Melissa indicated she wanted Kimberly’s mother to have custody of her kids, not her own mother or the state.
- WATCH: Wolfenbarger’s Sister: Victim Said Her Parents Were ‘Not Good People’
- Kimberly visited Melissa often but did not remember Melissa contacting her own mother via phone, letters, or cards.
- State presented cards and a letter Melissa sent to her mother, disproving Kimberly’s claim about lack of contact.
- Kimberly confirmed the cards/letters’ authenticity, showing Melissa did keep in touch with her mother.
- Kimberly did not recall Melissa discussing relationship problems, abuse, or fights with Christopher.
- No memories of the July 1998 incident (alleged physical assault by Christopher).
- Confirmed Melissa gave Christopher temporary guardianship of children in 1996.
- Showed confusion about when/if Melissa attempted to dissolve guardianship in 1998.
- Stated that Melissa indicated she wanted Kimberly’s mother to have custody of her kids, not her own mother or the state.
- Cathy Wolfenbarger (Christopher’s Mother) confirmed she received temporary, then permanent custody of Melissa and Christopher’s children at Melissa’s request because Melissa didn’t want her own parents to have them.
- Visited Melissa’s family frequently; described Melissa as quiet and “average girl.”
- Cathy and her family owned multiple homes; Melissa and Christopher lived in these homes for periods.
- Children (Krissy and Joey) called Cathy “mom”; she explained it was easier for them.
- After Melissa’s Disappearance: Cathy said they were concerned but did not search for Melissa (“didn’t know where to look”).
- Claims Melissa did not want to dissolve guardianship; denied knowledge of TPO (protective order) issued by Melissa against Christopher in July 1998.
- Joseph (“Joey”) Wolfenbarger (Son of Christopher and Melissa) was about 2.5 years old when Melissa disappeared; stated he has no real living memory of his mother.
- Raised by grandmother Cathy; called her “mom.”
- Learned about his mother’s murder at age 4; details given in a blunt manner by a family associate (Rachel).
- No real conversations with his father about Melissa’s death; subject was “touchy.”
- Moved in with his father after high school; currently lives with Cathy.
- Chris Wolfenbarger (Defendant) Declined to Testify. Judge formally confirmed understanding of rights.
- Defense challenged lack of direct evidence against Chris for Melissa’s death; argued evidence is only circumstantial.
- State countered with evidence of domestic violence, Melissa’s plans to leave Chris, and forensic findings suggesting homicidal violence.
- Judge denied defense motion to dismiss the murder charge, affirmed sufficient evidence for the jury.
- Judge granted continuance to bring key neighbor witness who could speak to Melissa’s poor relationship with her mother.
DAY 5 – 8/20/25
- LIVESTREAM: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger – Day 5| Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Domestic violence expert Rosa James described intimate partner violence and explained misconceptions about DV.
- Described the so-called cycle of abuse, and the “power and control wheel.”
- Discussed why victims stay, the role of fear, protection, and complexity in DV cases.
- Clarified that identifying DV relationships depends on patterns, not just single incidents.
- Addressed misuse/withdrawal of protective orders and effects of isolation.
- Testified she was not familiar with the specifics of this case, did not interview anyone involved, and her testimony was strictly educational/science-based.
- Said the root cause of abuse is a choice to exert power and control.
- Cross-examination emphasized her limited case-specific knowledge.
- Dr. Carol Terry, chief medical examiner and forensic pathologist, explained her role in victim identification and autopsy procedures.
- Described the process of collecting remains, identifying via skull/dental records.
- Noted victim’s skull and extremities found months apart, significant decomposition and dismemberment, some remains (torso) still missing.
- Detailed challenges with timing/manner of death due to condition/storage of remains, plastic bags found near remains, no insect activity on skull.
- Said cause of death is undetermined due to decomposition and missing remains; could not confirm strangulation or stabbing.
- Indicated suspicious/non-natural death due to concealment and dismemberment, though could not conclusively determine homicide.
- Noted that most cuts/dismemberment occurred post-mortem.
- Discussed limitations of identifying the time/location of death, complications if the remains were refrigerated.
- On cross, she reiterated the use of dental records, chain of custody, and inability to estimate time of death.
DAY 4 – 8/19/25
- LIVESTREAM: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger – Day 4| Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Thomas Newton Stott, Jr. (Retired Detective) became involved with Melissa’s case starting January 2000.
- Contacted Norma Patton about the case; informed the Pattons he hadn’t spoken to Chris yet after a year of the report.
- Briefly reviewed a poor-quality police interview with Chris regarding Melissa’s background and their relationship.
- Discussed Melissa’s dental records and their entry into a national database.
- Identified Melissa’s skull in March 2003, leading to a follow-up interview with Chris where he indicated Melissa had a troubled relationship with her father.
- Det. Jarion Shephard (Cold Case Unit) reviewed the original case file for Melissa.
- Considered Chris a suspect based on Melissa’s lifestyle and relationship with him.
- Discussed protective orders related to domestic violence; highlighted patterns of returning to abusers.
- Mentioned Melissa’s remains were found near Chris’s home and workplace; torso was never recovered.
- Indicated that Chris’s statements raised red flags, particularly his lack of concern over Melissa’s disappearance.
- Dr. Mary Beth Hauptle (Retired Medicolegal Death Investigator)
- Delivered testimony on the condition and identification of remains found in a plastic bag.
- Observed that the remains showed signs of significant decomposition and were secured for analysis.
DAY 3 – 8/18/25
- LIVESTREAM: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger – Day 3| Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Norma Patton (Melissa’s Mother, Carl Patton’s Wife) continued her direct testimony from Friday.
- WATCH: Serial Killer’s Wife Concludes Shocking Testimony in Wolfenbarger Trial
- Married to Carl for 56 years; he died in prison last year. Stayed married post-conviction.
- Raised daughters in various locations in Georgia; rarely visited Atlanta.
- Talked to Melissa monthly; found out she was pregnant during a courthouse visit (never saw her again).
- Participated in podcasts to bring attention to Melissa’s case; planned to focus exclusively on one program but withdrew.
- Norma and Carl actively sought police help for Melissa when she went missing.
- Concerns: Noticed something was wrong when Melissa didn’t visit on Christmas 1998; later found her house empty.
- Relationship with Chris: Disliked Chris, claimed to see “meanness in his eyes”; actively tried to keep Melissa away from him and and prevented their dating.
- Custody Issues: Melissa gave temporary custody of her children to Chris’ parents; Norma later took her to court to regain custody.
- Serious Crimes: Carl’s confessions of multiple murders; Norma admitted to helping him dispose of some bodies.
- Criminal Mindset: Carl staged murders as accidents; committed murders for insurance money; Norma expressed love and loyalty towards him despite his actions.
- Witness Immunity: Norma received immunity for her testimony against Carl and got a year of probation.
- Family Dynamics: Comments on alleged abuse and custody decisions made concerning Melissa’s children.
- On cross, the defense questioned Norma about inconsistencies in the timeline of inquiries into Melissa’s whereabouts.
- Asked about her efforts to check on Melissa and her perception of Chris’ character.
- Challenged about her memories against past police interviews and her participation in podcasts.
- Thomas Michael Dixon (Worked at Waffle House with Melissa) testified that he became intimate with Melissa in late 1998, says he didn’t know she was married; noted physical signs of abuse on Melissa.
- On cross, the defense poked into Dixon’s personal history and past criminal activities, including bank robbery.
- WATCH: Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial: Victim’s Former Coworker, Lover Takes Stand
- Christina Garrett (Melissa and Chris’ Daughter), who was raised by Chris’ parents, believed they were her biological parents for much of her childhood.
- Initially had no knowledge of her mother Melissa; learned about Melissa through family stories and images.
- Developed an interest in Melissa’s case over time, reached out to the Patton family.
- Described confusion around her relationship with Chris and their conversations about Melissa.
- Alton B. Calhoun (Retired Atlanta Police Detective) detailed his 20 years as homicide detective focusing on cold cases.
- Became involved with Melissa’s case upon identification of her remains.
- Noted inconsistencies in Chris’ accounts regarding Melissa’s status; investigated family dynamics.
- Discussed challenges in finding matching DNA and physical evidence; emphasized thoroughness of investigation despite lacking some materials.
- On cross, he was grilled about delays in the case and delays in identifying remains; he also rebutted defense claims regarding evidence collection.
DAY 2 – 8/15/25
- LIVESTREAM: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger – Day 2| Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Ronald Brock, who previously owned Action Glass & Mirrors, confirmed that Christopher Wolfenbarger worked there from Oct. 1998 to Feb. 1999.
- Brock said that employees were allowed to borrow tools, including reciprocating saws, without giving a reason.
- Wolfenbarger was terminated from his job after a company van accident.
- Brock could not recall if a borrowed saw was ever returned; he said the tool type was common at construction sites.
- Cynthia Brock, the former office manager at Action Glass & Mirrors testified that she worked alongside her husband, Ronald, and knew Wolfenbarger during his brief employment.
- Cynthia recalled being told Wolfenbarger borrowed a saw, and in a past statement, said it was never returned.
- Dorothy Cooley, a former neighbor who lived across the street from the Wolfenbargers, testified that she frequently heard loud arguments from the home and once noticed a bruise under Melissa’s eye.
- Atlanta Police Officer Marlon Sutton testified that he responded to a a July 1998 domestic violence call involving Melissa, where he documented bruising on her legs and abrasions on her arms, which he described as minor.
- Atlanta Police Detective Stephen O’Hare led the August 2024 operation to arrest Christopher Wolfenbarger along with U.S. Marshals.
- They used cell phone GPS to locate Wolfenbarger, who was in his residence.
- Wolfenbarger was found hiding behind a wine rack in a garage. He was uncooperative but appeared physically healthy.
- WATCH: Bodycam Footage Shows Chris Wolfenbarger Hiding In Garage Before Arrest
- Melissa Wolfenbarger’s mother, Norma Patton, took the stand.
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- READ: Flint River Killer’s widow testifies in daughter’s husband’s murder trial
- Norma testified that Melissa met Christopher in high school and frequently ran away to be with him before she became pregnant as a freshman.
- Norma recounted an incident where she saw abrasions on Melissa’s backside, allegedly from being dragged on a sidewalk.
- She said she last saw Melissa in November 1998 and became concerned when she stopped calling after Christmas.
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- Norma said she searched for her daughter in 1999 and learned in 2003 that her remains had been identified and found near Christopher’s former workplace.
- Norma discussed her husband’s arrest and the deal she made with investigators to testify against her husband if they would find Melissa.
- WATCH: Norma Patton: Melissa ‘Kept Running Away’ To Be With Chris Wolfenbarger
DAY 1 – 8/14/25
- LIVESTREAM: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger – Day 1 | Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Before the jury was brought in, attorneys argued over how much the victim’s father, known the ‘Flint River Killer’ could play in the trial.
- Prosecutors delivered their opening statement.
- Prosecutors said that Melissa Wolfenbarger disappeared in December 1998; despite having a close relationship with her mother, there was no contact after that date.
- In 1999, Melissa’s severed head and extremities were found near Christopher’s workplace, with saw marks on the bones. The remains were identified in 2003 after Melissa’s father was arrested for multiple murders.
- Prosecutors allege that Christopher was abusive, removed Melissa’s belongings after she disappeared and made incriminating statements to his daughter.
- WATCH: Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial: Prosecution Opening Statement
- Christopher Wolfenbarger’s attorney named other potential suspects in Melissa’s murder in his opening statement.
- Wolfenbarger’s attorney said Melissa’s death is unrelated to Christopher, and told the jury the state’s case was built on circumstantial evidence with “gaping holes.”
- Wolfenbarger’s defense pointed to other suspects, including Melissa’s father (a convicted killer), Melissa’s mother (who helped dispose of bodies), and a family associate with a motive.
- The defense described Melissa’s abusive childhood, strained family ties and living apart from Christopher before her disappearance. They emphasized the lack of cause of death, murder weapon, blood evidence or DNA linking Christopher to the remains.
- The defense suggested Norma Patton had a motive to implicate Christopher in the murder to help with her husband’s chances of parole.
- WATCH: Christopher Wolfenbarger’s Defense Points to Other Suspects
- George McEachern testified that he found a human head lying in the street on Avon Avenue while he was walking home from the bank in 1999. He moved it to the curb with a stick and called 911.
- McEachern told officers that he noticed buzzards overhead and told them there could be more remains nearby.
- Fmr. Atlanta Police Detective Dale Kelley was the lead homicide investigator on the case after he responded to the call of a human head on Avon Avenue. At the scene, he saw a decomposing head, plastic bags and a stray dog.
- Weeks later, cadaver dogs located more remains — hands and feet — inside double-bagged black plastic bags.
- Kelley mentioned a missing police report and claimed there was VHS footage of a dog dragging the bag with the skull — prompting a dispute over undisclosed, missing evidence. The judge instructed the jury to disregard testimony about the dog video.
- WATCH: Witness Claims Evidence Missing From Killer’s Daughter Murder Trial
- Fmr. Atlanta Police Detective Tina Miller also responded to the scene in April 1999. She secured the scene and observed the skull upright, a black trash bag and other items nearby.
- Miller noted damage to the skull but could not identify the victim due to advanced decomposition.
- On June 9, 1999, she searched a wooded area behind an auto shop after a tip from a nearby shop owner. There, she found multiple black plastic bags containing human remains, including hands, a foot and a thigh. The remains were close to where the skull had been found.
- Tina Patton, Melissa’s sister, recounted events surrounding their family dynamics and Melissa’s struggles.
- WATCH: Sister Details Melissa and Chris Wolfenbarger’s Troubled Marriage
- Described a gap of 7 years between her and Melissa; they grew up together with their parents, Carl and Norma Patton, and grandfather.
- Tina lived in Stockbridge and later in Las Vegas before returning to Georgia in February 1991 with her children. During this time, Melissa briefly lived with Tina in Tucson, Arizona.
- Both Tina and Melissa worked at Waffle House, with Melissa later marrying Chris Wolfenbarger while working with him.
- Tina observed a moment when Melissa came to her crying with visible red marks around her throat, suggesting potential abuse from Chris.
- During a breakfast gathering that included Chris, he made a chilling statement: “I know how to get rid of a body,” which alarmed the group. At the time, Melissa was living at home but dating Chris, which distressed Tina due to their troubling relationship.
- Tina contacted law enforcement in 2015 about Melissa’s disappearance and learned of her death in 2003, shortly after their father’s arrest for murder.
- To raise awareness about Melissa’s murder, Tina attempted to talk to reporters.
- Tina admitted to having issues with their mother and identified as a “Daddy’s girl,” mentioning that she had been previously convicted of meth-related charges.
- When reflecting on the last time she saw Melissa, Tina recalled it was in March 1999, just a month before Melissa’s body was found, noting significant tension in Melissa’s life.
- Tina took offense at insinuations about her father’s involvement in the case and strongly asserted his love for his daughters.
- Watch: GA v. Christopher Wolfenbarger: Day 1 Recap
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