Husband arrested for 1999 murder of Melissa Wolfenbarger, connection to Flint River Killer
ATLANTA - An arrest has been made in the 1999 cold case murder of Melissa Wolfenbarger. Atlanta police and family members made the announcement during a press conference on Wednesday.
Wolfenbarger's mother, Norma Patton, cannot help but express excitement about the news. She says she finally has answers in her daughter's death after nearly 25 years.
"We have finally made it! He is in custody, and now we just need to get over the last hurdle and get him convicted," Patton said.
Christopher Wolfenbarger, Melissa's husband, was booked into the Fulton County Jail on Wednesday charged with murder.
Christopher Wolfenbarger (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)
"He was captured in his home in Griffin, and he hid. It took detectives awhile to find him and they found him hiding behind a dryer," Atlanta Police Detective Jarion Shepard said during the press conference.
Shepard says it has been a long process and would not elaborate on what led to the final discovery. He credits determination, fresh eyes and advanced technology.
"From day one we knew it was Christopher. There was never ever a doubt in our minds about who did this," Melissa’s sister, Tina Patton, said.
A family member of Melissa Wolfenbarger wears a T-shirt to honor the 21-year-old, who was killed in 1999, during a press conference announcing an arrest in Atlanta on Aug. 7, 2024. (FOX 5)
Melissa, who grew up just outside of Atlanta, was married to Christopher, whom she met in high school. After they were married, they had two children and moved into a duplex in Atlanta.
Melissa's family says they last heard from her on Thanksgiving Day in 1998. After not hearing from her for quite some time, Melissa's sister, Tina Patton, and her mother drove to her home in Atlanta to check on her. When they arrived, the home was empty and a neighbor said Christopher had moved the family out.
A family member of Melissa Wolfenbarger wears a T-shirt to honor the 21-year-old, who was killed in 1999, during a press conference announcing an arrest in Atlanta on Aug. 7, 2024. (FOX 5)
Melissa's mother filed a missing persons report, but her husband never did. When interviewed by police, he told them that he and Melissa had fought, and she went for a walk and did not return.
In April 1999, a bleached skull was found off of Avon Avenue in Atlanta. In June, police found more dismembered remains in black trash bags in a wooded area near Avon Avenue.
However, her remains were not identified until 2003 after Melissa and Tina's father – Carl Millard Patton Jr. – was arrested for killing five people.
"She didn't deserve what she got, and I hope anyone in a domestic violence situation that you get out. This could easily be you," Tina Patton said.
This mother and daughter say they never gave up hope.
"My last words to her was, ‘I love you and you know where I am if you need me,’" Norma Patton said.
Police say he has always been a person of interest and even questioned him back in 2003 but now they have the evidence to hold the charges against him.
The family said during the press conference that they knew from day one that it was Christopher and compared him to Charlie Manson.
The family of Melissa Wolfenbarger attends a press conference at the Atlanta Police Department headquarters announcing an arrest in her murder on Aug. 7, 2024. (FOX 5)
How is the Flint River Killer connected?
Patton is known as the Flint River Killer. He was born in 1949 and grew up in DeKalb, Clayton and Henry counties. He married Norma in 1968, and they had two daughters – Melissa and Tina.
In February 2003, Patton was arrested for killing 31-year-old Liddie Matthew Evans, who had been murdered in December 1977. Testimony from Norma then led police to charge Patton with additional murders and he was nicknamed the "Flint River Killer."
Patton's case caught the media's attention, which brought more interest in Melissa's case. Patton was even questioned about his daughter's disappearance, but was cleared of any possible involvement. Patton is currently incarcerated at Dodge State Prison in Chester.
Sources