Marietta woman killed was doctor at Morehouse School of Medicine, ex-husband arrested

MARIETTA, Ga. - The 42-year-old woman killed in a Marietta apartment over the weekend has been identified on social media as a first-year surgical resident at the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Dr. Samantha Woolery's body was found Sunday morning after she did not show up for work. Her co-workers went to her apartment on Williams Drive and found her body inside.

"Their friend had been brutally attacked and murdered overnight, she was deceased," said Marietta Police Officer Chuck McPhilamy.  

ORIGINAL STORY: Co-workers find Marietta woman dead after not showing up to work

She had visible cuts, was unresponsive and appeared to be deceased.

The Marietta Police Department responded and began their investigation. They uncovered evidence that led them to believe that Dr. Woolery knew her attacker and that the possible suspect had left the state.

Arrest in Marietta doctor's death

On Monday afternoon, police announced that Woolery's 49-year-old ex-husband, Mickey Anthony Woolery, had been taken into custody by the police department in Carmel, Indiana, which is Mickey Woolery's primary residence.

Investigators say they used technology, including license plate readers, to track Woolery to Indiana. Police in Carmel, Indiana found him in a house, but said he did not go willingly.  

"He attempted to run from the officers. He was later apprehended in a wooded area behind the home," said Officer McPhilamy. "This is a violent fugitive that is now being held accountable."

Mickey Anthony Woolery (Hamilton County Sheriff's Office)

Woolery is being charged with felony murder, felony aggravated assault, felony aggravated battery, felony possession of a weapon during the commission of a crime, and felony malice murder.

Marietta police are now working with the Indiana police to have him extradited to Georgia.

Police say neither of the couple's two children were home at the time of the attack.

Who is Dr. Samantha Woolery?

Dr. Samantha Woolery's murder was a shock to so many. She was a mother to two teenagers, had recently graduated from medical school, and had a bright future ahead of her.

"Samantha is one of a kind," said Mfoniso Ekpo, a close friend.

Ekpo went through medical school with Dr. Samantha Woolery. Ekpo says she was a true friend.

"She's a friend that's always present. She feels everything you feel. She's always there to support you without judgment," said Ekpo.

Samantha Woolery was just about to start her residency at Morehouse School of Medicine on July 1.

The Morehouse School of Medicine says that Dr. Woolery was "deeply cherished" for her kind and engaging spirit and her remarkable ability to connect with everyone around her.

The Dean and Executive Vice President of Health Affairs at Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Adrian Tyndall, released the following statement:

"Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of Dr. Samantha Woolery, an incoming surgical resident and our 2023 Surgery Intern of the Year. Dr. Woolery, known for her kind spirit and exceptional ability to connect with others, was set to begin her categorical residency. Her loss is profoundly felt within our Morehouse School of Medicine community. Our thoughts and condolences are with Dr. Woolery’s family and friends during this time." 

"She was always outstanding, always shining. Her life was just about to take off, she would have been a brilliant surgeon," said Ekpo.

Dr. Woolery's daughter started a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.