Sheriff: Woman committed murder, set fire to home to conceal “insidious” crime

SHEILA A. MATHEWS :::

Christy Garner, of Spalding County, has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Patricia Gresham, in a crime described by Sheriff Darrell Dix as an “insidious.”

The Spalding County Sheriff’s Office, Spalding County Fire Department and Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor on Sunday responded to a structure fire at 486 Dutchman Road.

The residence was fully engulfed in flames upon deputies’ arrival.

Authorities say a witness notified deputies and firefighters that a body was inside the residence. By this time, however, the mobile home had partially collapsed, making an immediate search impossible.

“While speaking with the witness, he stated that he was present in the trailer when Christy Garner stabbed Patricia Gresham in the neck and killed her,” Dix said. “Garner then attacked him, but he was able to fend her off and get away. Garner then set the trailer on fire to cover up the murder.”

Interviews were conducted, and a search warrant was obtained, leading to the location of physical evidence at the scene.

Garner, age 40, was subsequently arrested for the murder of 55-year-old Patricia Gresham.

Garner has been charged with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another and tampering with evidence.

When asked if Garner is likely to face charges related to the fire, SCSO Maj. Dwayne Jones said, “The arson investigator is completing his investigation. He will make the determination of any additional charges.” 

She is being held without bond in the Spalding County Jail.

“Spalding County Firefighters aggressively fought the fire until a portion of the trailer was able to be entered safely and they located Ms. Gresham’s body. My Investigators, Crime Scene Investigators, and Coroner Michael Pryor were meticulous in gathering and corroborating evidence that led them Garner’s arrest for this insidious crime,” Dix said. “Fire Fighters beat back the heat and flames long enough to allow for Mrs. Gresham’s body to be recovered and for evidence collection purposes and were able to make the scene safe enough for us to do our jobs in bringing justice to Mrs. Gresham’s family. Due to the determination and teamwork from the Sheriff’s Office, Spalding County Fire, Spalding County Coroner Michael Pryor, and District Attorney Marie Broder’s Office, we were able to successfully investigate this incident, collect valuable information as to why, when, and how this occurred, and make the arrest.”

Publisher’s note: This article was updated with information related to a potential arson charge.

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