Christopher Wofenbarger, the husband of slain Georgia woman, Melissa Wolfenbarger, has been found not guilty of her murder.

According to Channel 2 Action News, a Fulton County jury took a few hours to return the verdict Friday.

Back in 1999, a shocking discovery was made when a human head, soaked in bleach and wrapped in a black trash bag, was found near Avon Avenue in Atlanta. This gruesome find was in a location behind a glass company where Christopher Wolfenbarger was once employed.

Police said he didn’t report his wife missing until 2000, claiming that she left voluntarily and never returned.

Christopher Wolfenbarger was indicted in 2024.

The defense argued that Melissa parents, Norma Patton and  Carl Patton, were abusive and that Melissa had been trying to escape them.

Carl Patton, infamously dubbed the “Flint River Killer,” was already serving a prison sentence for a series of murders committed during the 1970s. His arrest came in 2003, following this conviction.

Melissa’s sister disagreed. During testimony, she said the family had typical arguments and that Christopher Wolfenbarger was the abusive one.

Norma Patton, Carl’s wife, played a pivotal role in securing his conviction in exchange for assistance in Melissa’s related case, according to Court TV. Despite helping with the investigation, she confessed to aiding him in the “disposal of bodies.”

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Family Handout]