Man pleads guilty to murders of Cobb County deputies

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - The man accused of killing two Cobb County deputies pleaded guilty to their murders on Thursday. 

Christopher Golden pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated assault in the September killing of deputies Jonathan Koleski and Marshall Ervin, Jr., according to Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady. He will serve two consecutive life sentences without parole, plus 55 years. 

Broady said he was prepared to seek the death penalty, but spoke with the families of the victims. He said the plea avoided putting families through the ordeal of hearings and a trial.

"We made the mutual decision to complete the criminal case through a plea," Broady said.

Golden and Christopher Cook were arrested in connection to the shooting. Golden was charged with both murders and Cook faces theft by taking. 

Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens said his office will be relieved to see the accused killer behind bars, but said the sense of loss still feels fresh.

"Three months ago, our lives were forever changed. It’s an emotional day for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, for the team of deputies who were on the scene, and all of those who served with and knew Deputies Marshall Ervin and Jonathan Koleski.

"We are grateful to the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office and DA Flynn Broady for ensuring justice was served and this evil man will remain in prison for the rest of his life. 

"Our hearts still hurt. But tonight we will sleep a little sounder now that this portion of the case is behind us.

"Through the grace of God and the love and support of the community, the families of Jon and Marshall – both blood and blue – will become stronger in the broken places."

Law enforcement arrested Cook and Golden after a standoff that lasted nearly four hours at Hampton Glen Court and Fenwick Drive near Marietta.

Owens said deputies were serving a warrant at Hampton Glen Court and Fenwick Drive when a vehicle drove up. That’s when Owens said shots were fired. 

Owens said the deputies were able to radio in the shooting to dispatchers. Both deputies died from their injuries.

"I hope every time he hears the cell doors close and echo off the shoebox size of the cell, he is reminded of Jon and Marshall and the freedom he will never get back," said Megan Barrios, Deputy Jonathan Koleski's sister.

"This will allow the families to avoid years of being exposed to additional hearings and an even longer appellate process," said Broady.

Cobb County Sheriff Craig Owens thanked the district attorney and his team for making sure justice was served.

"That evildoer has stood before god and man and acknowledged what he did. Our hearts are still hurting, but tonight we'll sleep a little softer knowing this case is behind us," said Sheriff Owens.

"He will have an immense amount of time looking at the same four walls to self reflect and possibly grow a heart," said Barrios.

Golden said very little in court, only answering the judge's questions.

Judge Julie Adams Jacobs told Golden "You're going to have a long time to think about your actions and how senseless and violent it was and you can think about the impact your actions had on this family and this community."