“The Farris Wheel”: 48 Hours Reports on Gary Farris Homicide April 26 2025

This Saturday, April 26, 2025, 48 Hours airs a gripping new episode titled “The Farris Wheel,” at 10:00 PM ET/PT on CBS. The episode, reported by correspondent Peter Van Sant, explores the shocking murder of Gary Farris, a wealthy attorney from Cherokee County, Georgia, and the complicated family drama that unfolded in its aftermath.

The murder investigation revealed a tangled web of accusations, betrayals, and strained relationships within the Farris family. The case would ultimately lead to the arrest and conviction of Gary’s wife, Melody Farris, despite her persistent claims that their son, Scott Farris, was the true killer.

The Discovery of Gary Farris’s Remains

On July 5, 2018, Scott Farris made a chilling discovery on the family’s 10-acre farm in Alpharetta, Georgia. Hidden beneath a pile of ashes near a burn pile, he found what appeared to be human remains. Initially, authorities considered the possibility of an accidental death, believing Gary might have suffered a medical emergency and fallen into the fire he had started.

However, the course of the investigation changed dramatically when a bullet was discovered lodged in one of Gary’s rib bones. Further examination uncovered blood evidence inside the home, including bloodstains on the basement floor and stairs. This critical forensic evidence shifted the case from a tragic accident to a homicide investigation, forcing authorities to take a closer look at the family dynamics.

Investigators Uncover a Troubled Marriage

As detectives from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office dug deeper, a complex portrait of the Farris family emerged. Gary and Melody Farris, married for 38 years, were living increasingly separate lives. Witnesses testified that Melody had engaged in multiple extramarital affairs, and financial disputes were common between the couple.

Melody was also the sole beneficiary of Gary’s $2 million life insurance policy, providing prosecutors with a potential motive. Investigators presented evidence of a blood trail in the home and inconsistencies in Melody’s statements. During the trial, it was revealed that Melody had fled to Tennessee with one of her lovers shortly after Gary’s death, raising further suspicions about her involvement.

The Trial of Melody Farris

Melody Farris was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, and making false statements. Her defense attorneys argued that Scott Farris, not Melody, was the real killer. They claimed Scott had financial motives, owned the same caliber ammunition used in the murder, and was the first to find Gary’s remains.

The prosecution, led by Cherokee County prosecutors Meaghan Frankish and Geoffrey Fogus, presented extensive evidence against Melody, including testimony from 36 witnesses and over 1,200 pieces of physical and digital evidence. They argued that Melody alone had the motive, means, and opportunity to kill Gary, fueled by resentment, financial desperation, and anger over her husband’s refusal to share more of his wealth.

After a three-week trial and three days of deliberation, the jury found Melody guilty on all counts on November 4, 2024.

A Last-Minute Accusation at Sentencing

During her sentencing on December 5, 2024, Melody Farris addressed the court directly. In an emotional statement, she claimed that her son, Scott, was the true killer, asserting that she had been pressured for years to remain silent. Melody alleged that she saw Scott near the burn pile on the night of the murder and accused him of cleaning areas around the property.

Despite her claims, Superior Court Judge David L. Cannon Jr. sentenced her to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 30 years. She also received concurrent five-year sentences for concealing Gary’s death and lying to investigators. Judge Cannon prohibited Melody from contacting her family unless they wished to maintain contact.

Throughout the proceedings, Scott Farris maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in his father’s death. He testified against his mother, describing her lack of emotional response to Gary’s death and pointing to longstanding tensions within the family.

The Legacy of a Family Torn Apart

Gary Farris’s murder left deep scars on the family. District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway described the case as one that would leave lasting trauma on all involved, including first responders, jurors, and witnesses. The victim’s children read a powerful victim impact statement at the sentencing, emphasizing the permanent loss they endured and calling for a just sentence.

Friends of Melody Farris spoke at her sentencing, describing her as a loving mother and grandmother. However, the overwhelming weight of the evidence convinced the jury and the court that Melody, not Scott, was responsible for Gary’s death.

The 48 Hours episode promises to shed light on this dark chapter in Cherokee County’s history, highlighting the betrayal, greed, and fractured loyalty that ultimately led to the tragic end of a once-respected family patriarch.