Pregnant mother stabbed to death, husband charged

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A Cobb County man is in jail charged with stabbing to death his own wife. Police were called to their home on Wood Meadows Drive early Saturday morning.  Investigators say they encountered Elvin Durant in the garage covered in blood.  He is charged with felony murder.

Crystal Durant was 38 years old.  Investigators say she had been stabbed several times in the head and neck.  Police say she was 8 weeks pregnant.  "Mr. Durant will also be charged with feticide because her death caused the death of the baby," said Cobb County Police Officer Sarah O'Hara.

Crystal's cousin, Lula Battle, says Crystal had 6 children, including young twins.  "She brightened up our family, she had a heart of gold, always laughing.  She was a wonderful mother of 6, who now have to live without her," said Battle. 

One of Crystal's children, 19-year-old Jakeem Battle was in the home at the time.  Police say he tried to protect his mother and was stabbed in the leg. He was rushed to the hospital. 

Neighbors say there were other children in the home as well.  They say they saw an officer holding a crying baby in his arms, trying to comfort him. 

Police say this isn't the first time they've been to the home on a domestic violence call.  But Lula Battle says her cousin never let on there were problems. 

"We were all together just 4 weeks ago planning a family reunion.  She was so full of energy, very vibrant, very positive and honest person, she was loved and she will be missed truly by all of us," said Battle. 

Elvin Durant is being held in the Cobb County Jail without bond.