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According to prosecutors in their opening statements, money was the motive for this murder. Next, Melody Farris' defense delivered their opening remarks to the jury. They claimed police acted on confirmation bias when they allegedly narrowed erroneously on the defendant for the death of her husband, Gary. A complicated family coupled with a complicated police investigation all led to fingers pointing at Melody Farris for first-degree murder.
S1, EP43 "Georgia Bureau Of Investigation"
Agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation dominated testimony. Prosecutors wanted to show jurors that key crime scene evidence analyzed had Melody Farris's DNA on them. This went along with the state's theory on how Gary was killed. His wife shot him and then moved his body to a burn pile in an attempt to get rid of any signs of his remains. Finding and linking Melody Farris' DNA on the tractor and a bullet inside the home was more proof that she was involved in this murder.
S1, EP44 "Autopsy Report"
The thorough but limited autopsy report was explained to jurors. Forensic pathologist Dr. Stephen Atkinson admitted how hard it was to find out how physically Gary Farris died because his remains were so burnt up. A process of elimination was the way he concluded the manner of death. Dr. Atkinson claimed Gary's remains showed no signs of a natural death, accidental death nor suicide. So, homicide and undetermined were the only classifications left.
S1, EP45 "First Infidelity Then Murder"
The first of two of Melody Farris' lovers testified against her. During the latter years in her marriage to Gary, the defendant allegedly stepped out on her late husband and carried on at least two different sexual affairs. Next, more details on the forensic science of the crime scene were divulged to the jury. This time it was a firearm expert who examined the bullet fragments recovered from the Farris family 10-acre farm.
S1, EP46 "Firearm Examination"
A State gun examiner explained to the jury the firearms and bullet projectiles she analyzed. They were retrieved from the family property where Gary Farris was found dead. Investigators believed he was fatally shot at the farm and his body dragged into a burning pile of debris. Even though a murder weapon in this fatal shooting was never found, investigators did conclude the exact bullet projectile make the killer used.
