Friends remember Buford man killed in crowbar attack

BUFORD, Ga. - A Buford man accused of beating his own father with a crowbar in front of their Gwinnett County home on Wednesday is expected to remain in custody as friends and family deal with shock and grief.

Joseph Allen Cook, 40, was arrested on murder and aggravated assault charges later that evening.  It happened at a home on Bridle Glen Drive just after 6 p.m.

Gwinnett County Police said they responded to a 911 call made by Larry Cook, 68.  Dispatchers said they heard yelling and a request for police before the call disconnected.  Police said they received two more 911 calls, one from a neighbor who said he spotted the brutal scene in the driveway of the home and one from Larry Cook’s wife who pleaded for help.

Rescue crews arrived at the scene, but said they were unable to revive Larry Cook, who died from his injuries.

Long-time friend, Don Pluckett said he is simply heartbroken by the loss.

“We talked to each other every day. There wasn't a day go by we didn't call each other or text each other, you know? And when his wife called last night, it was just broken hearts,” said Pluckett.

Pluckett said the two men both built and sold furniture, spending hours bonding at markets over the last 15 years.

“He would just have you in tears laughing about some of the stories that he was involved in. He was truly a fun guy,” said Pluckett

Pluckett said his friend tried to get his son back on his feet and help him get the help his son needed, but he never expected this.

“It is tough. When you lose a friend this way--this is no way for a human being to end his life... and being a father myself, Larry would tell me how much he wanted to help his children and have a better life than he had. That's the kind of person he was,” said Pluckett.

FOX 5 News has learned that Larry Cook is a retired police officer from Franklin, Georgia.

Joseph Cook may also face additional charges after police said he punched an officer while being questioned at police headquarters. That officer is expected to be okay.

Investigators said Joseph had spent some time in jail prior to this arrest. They said he will likely remain in the Gwinnett County Detention Center until his trial.