The city of Marietta, Georgia is grappling with the shocking death of 42-year-old Samantha Woolery, a surgical resident on the cusp of a promising career. The Marietta Police Department, responding to a 911 call on June 16th, discovered Samantha’s body in her apartment, bearing visible wounds. The investigation quickly pointed towards a potential domestic violence case, sending shockwaves through the community.
A Grisly Discovery and a Trail of Evidence
Samantha’s coworkers, concerned by her absence, visited her apartment and found the front door unlocked. Upon entering, they encountered a scene that would forever be etched in their memories. Samantha’s lifeless body bore testament to a violent attack.
The responding officers immediately recognized signs of foul play. Bloody footprints painted a chilling path from the bedroom to the front door. Lying beside the bed, a bloodstained machete lay starkly, deepening the horror of the crime.
“It’s a crime of passion is really what it is, and it’s very personal,” remarked Christine Gillo, a former prosecutor specializing in domestic violence cases, when asked about the weapon used.
Image of a blood splattered weapon
Gillo, drawing from her experience, highlighted the personal nature of such attacks. “When you are up close and personal with a knife or a machete, it is so personal… it leads to passion,” she explained.
The Investigation Unfolds: A Former Partner Under Scrutiny
Surveillance footage retrieved from a neighbor’s security system showed a man exiting Samantha’s apartment. His hands, feet, and clothing were stained with blood. The police identified the individual as 49-year-old Micky Anthony Woolery, Samantha’s ex-husband.
Further solidifying their suspicions, a bloody fingerprint discovered near a light switch matched Micky’s right thumb. Authorities believe that following the heinous act, Micky fled over 500 miles to his home in Indiana.
A History of Violence: Red Flags Ignored?
Micky Woolery’s past, unfortunately, was not without incident. In 2022, he faced charges of felony domestic battery, allegedly committed in the presence of a child under 16 years old. However, the case was later dismissed.
This incident raises concerns about potential warning signs that may have been overlooked. Gillo, analyzing the situation, stated, “The first thing that I looked for, which was easy to find, is that there was a history of abuse… those are the red flags, those are the warnings.”
A Community in Mourning, A Future Cut Short
Samantha Woolery was not just a dedicated medical professional, but a beloved member of the community. A rising star in the medical field, she was scheduled to commence her surgical residency at Grady Hospital in July through the Morehouse School of Medicine. Her dedication to health equity and compassionate patient care left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
The Morehouse School of Medicine paid tribute to her, saying, “It is with heavy hearts that we remember Dr. Samantha Woolery, a devoted first-year surgery resident. Dr. Woolery was deeply cherished for her kind and engaging spirit, as well as her remarkable ability to connect with everyone around her.”
Justice Sought: A Long Road Ahead
Micky Woolery currently awaits extradition to Georgia to face charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon during a crime, and malice murder. While the evidence against him appears substantial, the possibility of a “crime of passion” defense looms.
Gillo, offering her legal perspective, noted, “The crime of passion is a real defense… in other words, ‘Yes, I did the crime, but please don’t hold me responsible because it was my passion, not guilt.'” However, she also acknowledged that prosecutors would likely leverage past incidents and the protective order to counter this defense.
This tragic case stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a promising young doctor and seeks justice for the senseless act that cut her life short.