Cobb Man Killed Wife, Tried To Burn Body

MARIETTA, GA — A Cobb County man will spend life in prison after killing his wife, then dousing her body with gasoline.

Darryl Chandler, 62, of Kennesaw, pleaded guilty on Monday to charges including malice murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery and criminal attempt to commit arson. Cobb County Superior Court Judge Joyette Holmes sentenced him to life in prison, with 30 years to serve before he is eligible for parole.

On Dec. 12, 2016, Darryl Chandler struck Brenda Poole Chandler, also 62, in the face and head with an unknown blunt object. He also stabbed her multiple times in the chest and cut her neck.

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Afterward, he poured gasoline on his wife's body and all over their house on Lake Mist Drive. It was the strong odor of gasoline that caused neighbors to call police, who arrested Darryl Chandler at the home.

According to Cobb prosecutors, there was no history of domestic violence between the couple, who had been married for more than two decades. Darryl Chandler had lost his job several months before the murder and had disappeared at one point for about two weeks, prosecutors said.

"Brenda Poole Chandler’s surviving children testified that she lived her life in love every day. Brenda did not deserve to have her life come to such a gruesome end at the hands of a man to whom she gave nothing but love and support," said Senior Assistant District Attorney Brendan Murphy, who prosecuted the case.

"This is a grave reminder that domestic violence can be deadly, even the very first time it happens. We will continue to hold violent perpetrators accountable when they rain down such terror in the home."

Photo courtesy Cobb County District Attorney's Office