Son arrested after welfare check in Cobb County uncovers woman's death
Cobb County man accused of murdering his mom
Cobb County's 28-year-old Daniel Sarris has been accused of murdering his own mother, 67-year-old Melanie Sarris. She was found dead during a welfare check at a home on Evian Way.
COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A Kennesaw man is in custody accused of murdering his mother after her body was found during a wellness check on Monday.
Officials say the death investigation happened at a home on the 1000 block of Evian Way.
Police investigating after woman found dead in her home
A death investigation in cobb county. Police found a woman dead in her home.
What we know:
The Major Crimes unit was called in to further the investigation. Investigators could be seen on Monday going in and out of the home.
On Tuesday, officials identified the woman as 67-year-old Melanie Sarris.
FOX 5 Atlanta also learned that her son, 28-year-old Daniel Sarris, has been charged with murdering his mother and aggravated assault. He was initially arrested on Monday in Gordon County for receiving stolen property.
Daniel Baxter Sarris. Courtesy of Gordon County Sheriff's Office
A records check also revealed that Daniel Sarris was arrested in Cobb County on April 26, 2024, for simple battery/family violence.
According to the document, Daniel grabbed his 69-year-old father by his shirt as he tried to leave a house and held onto it forcing his dad to remove the shirt to leave.
The warrant says Daniel wanted to have a conversation with his dad, but he kept walking away.
It also said, "family members of said accused are concerned that said accused has mental issues."
Ultimately, the Cobb County Solicitor’s Office declined to prosecute because Daniel received counseling and there had been no violent contact in three months.
What we don't know:
Police have not released any more details about the investigation or how Melanie Sarris was allegedly killed.
The Cobb County Police Department is investigating a woman's death on Evian Way near Kennesaw.
Reaction from residents
What they're saying:
When Cobb County Police showed up in the Waverly neighborhood off Hadaway Road, some residents found it unsettling.
"It got me a little worried now, but I’d just like to see what's going on," said Cristian, who has lived here for several years.
"I’ve lived in this neighborhood for many years, and everyone is nice and everyone talks to each other when they're going on walks. It hurts, you know it hurts," said Cristian.
Reaction from former colleague
What they're saying:
FOX 5 also learned that Melanie Sarris was a Cobb County educator working as a speech therapist. One of her former colleagues sent a statement to FOX 5 saying she was a "calm, quiet and friendly presence… always willing to help… always on top of her job."
What you can do:
The case remains under investigation. If you have any information that could help authorities, call the Cobb County Police Department Major Crimes Unit at (770) 499-3945.
This story is developing. Check back for details. If you have additional information, pictures, or video email newstipsatlanta@fox.com.
The Source: The preliminary information in this article was reported by the Cobb County Police Department. Since then, FOX 5 has received information from Gordon County Sheriff's Office and a former colleague of Melanie Sarris. This story has been updated since it was originally published to provide new details.