Man Arrested Over 25 Years After Wife’s Death

It looks like another cold case has thawed out, and justice might finally be served. In a world where some people think they can outrun the long arm of the law, we’ve got a story that may show otherwise. Grab your reading glasses and settle in, because this tale of delayed justice is one for the books.

The Arrest

Christopher Wolfenbarger was recently nabbed by authorities in connection with his wife’s death—25 years after her remains were discovered. On August 6, 2024, law enforcement caught up with Wolfenbarger, who was found hiding behind a dryer in his home. Talk about a spin cycle of justice!

Melissa Wolfenbarger, Christopher’s wife, went missing after speaking to her family on Thanksgiving Day in 1998. Her disappearance left a void in her family’s lives and a cold trail for investigators—until now.

The Investigation

The path to Christopher’s arrest was long and winding. Melissa’s remains were discovered in trash bags in 1999 but weren’t identified until 2003 through DNA testing. Throughout this time, Christopher Wolfenbarger had been a person of interest, with a history of family violence that raised red flags from the start. Now, he has been accused of her murder.

Husband Arrested in 1998 Cold Case Murder of Melissa Wolfenbarger https://t.co/lCxmutWL5O

— The Georgia Sun (@TheGeorgiaSun) August 7, 2024

Family Suspicions and Victim’s Background

Melissa’s family, including her mother and sister, Norma and Tina Patton, never wavered in their belief that Christopher was responsible for her murder. Their persistence may have played a crucial role in keeping the case alive.

Norma Patton, Melissa’s mother, and Tina, Melissa’s sister, had always believed Christopher was responsible, according to The New York Post. According to them, he was someone who had “evil in his eyes.”

Interestingly, Melissa’s own family history adds another layer to this tragic story. Her father, Carl Patton, a convicted murderer himself, prompted police to re-investigate her remains in 2003. It seems that even in death, Melissa couldn’t escape the shadow of violence that plagued her life.

The Aftermath

With Christopher Wolfenbarger now behind bars in Fulton County Jail, the case has been transferred to the attorney general’s office for prosecution. While the specific evidence leading to his arrest hasn’t been disclosed to maintain the case’s integrity, authorities made the arrest based on “probable cause.”

Melissa’s family, particularly her sister Tina, has used this moment to urge those in domestic violence situations to seek help. It’s a stark reminder that what happens behind closed doors can have deadly consequences.

As we wrap up this cold case turned hot topic, let’s remember that justice, while sometimes slow, can still press forward. For those thinking they’ve outrun their past misdeeds, take note: the law has a long memory and an even longer reach. Stay tuned, folks—this story is far from over.