The world of medicine mourns the loss of a promising young surgeon, Dr. Samantha Woolery, whose life was tragically cut short in a horrifying act of domestic violence. The 42-year-old resident was found stabbed to death in her Marietta, Georgia, apartment, leaving behind a trail of grief and a community grappling for answers.
A Gruesome Discovery
On the morning of June 16th, a chilling call alerted the Marietta Police Department to a possible stabbing at a local apartment complex. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless body of Dr. Samantha Woolery, her body bearing visible signs of a violent attack. Co-workers, concerned when she didn’t show up for work, had made the grim discovery after finding her front door closed but unlocked.
A Trail of Blood and a Bloody Machete
The scene inside the apartment painted a grim picture of the brutality inflicted upon Dr. Woolery. Authorities discovered bloody footprints leading from the bedroom to the front door, a chilling testament to the violence that had unfolded. Adding to the horror, a bloodstained machete was found lying beside the bed, a stark reminder of the personal nature of the attack.
“It’s a crime of passion is really what it is and it’s very personal,” explains Christine Gillo, a former prosecutor specializing in domestic violence cases. “When you are up close and personal with a knife or a machete it is so personal and it leads to passion.”
A History of Violence
As the investigation unfolded, a disturbing pattern emerged. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s security camera captured a man, later identified as Dr. Woolery’s ex-husband, 49-year-old Mickey Anthony Woolery, leaving her apartment. His hands, feet, and pants were stained with blood. Further solidifying their suspicions, a bloody fingerprint found near a light switch matched Mickey Woolery’s right thumbprint.
This was not Mickey Woolery’s first brush with the law. In 2022, he faced charges of felony domestic battery committed in front of a child under 16. However, those charges were later dismissed.
A Life Dedicated to Healing
Dr. Samantha Woolery was on the cusp of achieving her dream of becoming a surgeon. She was preparing to begin her surgical residency at Grady Hospital through the Morehouse School of Medicine, where she had been honored as the 2023 Intern of the Year.
In a poignant tribute, the school remembered Dr. Woolery for her “kind and engaging spirit,” her “remarkable ability to connect with everyone,” and her “dedication to advancing health equity and her compassionate care for patients.”
Justice for Samantha
Following the attack, Mickey Woolery fled Georgia, seeking refuge over 500 miles away at his home in Indiana. However, his attempt to evade justice proved futile. Authorities apprehended him, and he now faces a slew of charges, including felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon during a crime, and malice murder.
While the evidence against Mickey Woolery seems overwhelming, Gillo cautions that a “crime of passion” defense could complicate the prosecution’s case. However, she acknowledges the history of abuse and the protective order, highlighting the red flags that existed within the relationship.
A Daughter’s Heartbreak
Dr. Woolery’s tragic death has left her family, particularly her children, grappling with unimaginable loss. Her daughter, Naima, shared her grief with Atlanta News First, describing the feeling as having her “heart ripped out of her chest.” She confessed to suspecting her father’s involvement early on, though she desperately wished it wasn’t true.
In a heart-wrenching Facebook post, Naima paid tribute to her mother, writing, “My mom was the best mom I could have asked for…no matter what happened to us she did everything she could to make me happy…Justice will be served…rest easy mommy…”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses and a memorial service.
Seeking Answers and Closure
As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a gifted surgeon and a compassionate soul. Dr. Samantha Woolery’s legacy will live on, not only through the countless lives she touched during her medical career but also through the ongoing fight against domestic violence. Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of this issue and the urgent need for greater awareness, prevention, and support for victims.