The world of medicine is in mourning after the tragic death of a promising young surgical resident, Dr. Samantha Woolery, who was found brutally murdered in her Marietta, Georgia apartment.
A Gruesome Discovery Rocks the Medical Community
On the morning of June 16th, a chilling call went out to Marietta Police reporting a possible stabbing at a local apartment complex. Responding officers walked into a scene straight out of a horror movie. Dr. Samantha Woolery, 42, lay lifeless, the victim of an apparent violent attack.
The gruesome discovery was made by Dr. Woolery’s concerned colleagues, who went to check on her after she failed to show up for work. Sensing something was terribly wrong, they found the door to her apartment closed but unlocked. Inside, a scene of unimaginable carnage awaited.
A Trail of Blood Leads to a Shocking Suspect
A bloody trail, marked by footprints, led investigators from the bedroom to the front door. Near the bed, they found a blood-soaked machete, a chilling reminder of the brutality inflicted upon Dr. Woolery.
“It’s a crime of passion, really what it is, and it’s very personal,” says 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… it leads to passion.”
Gillo’s words proved prophetic as the investigation took a dramatic turn. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s ring camera captured a man, covered in blood, fleeing Dr. Woolery’s apartment. Police believed they had their suspect: Dr. Woolery’s ex-husband, 49-year-old Micky Anthony Woolery.
A pair of handcuffs
Further solidifying their suspicions, a bloody fingerprint discovered near the light switch matched Micky Woolery’s right thumb. It seemed the trail of blood led straight to him.
A History of Violence and a Shocking Plea Deal
Over 500 miles away in Indiana, authorities closed in on Micky Woolery. He was apprehended and now faces a litany of charges, including felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon during a crime, and malice murder.
This wasn’t Micky Woolery’s first brush with the law. In 2022, he faced charges of felony domestic battery committed in front of a child under 16, although the case was later dismissed.
“The crime of passion is a real defense,” explains Gillo. “Yes, I did the crime, but please don’t hold me responsible because it was my passion, not guilt.” Given the potential for a “crime of passion” defense, prosecutors may offer Micky Woolery a plea deal.
A Life Cut Tragically Short
The murder of Dr. Samantha Woolery sent shockwaves through the medical community. A rising star in the surgical field, she was just days away from starting her residency at Grady Hospital in July through the Morehouse School of Medicine. In a poignant tribute, the school remembered Dr. Woolery for her “kind and engaging spirit,” “remarkable ability to connect with everyone,” and unwavering “dedication to advancing Health Equity.”
A woman smiling
As authorities work to bring Micky Woolery to justice, Dr. Woolery’s family, friends, and colleagues grapple with the unimaginable loss. The brilliant surgeon, loving mother, and compassionate caregiver will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Dr. Woolery’s legacy, however, will continue to inspire. Her dedication to medicine, her patients, and her community will forever be remembered.