Police Arrest Suspect in Fatal Stabbing of Jerry Sampson Jr. at Millwood Apartments

MARIETTA, Ga. — Cobb County police have arrested a suspect following a fatal stabbing that occurred New Year’s Day at an apartment complex on Pat Mell Road.

According to the Cobb County Police Department, officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched to the Millwood Apartment Complex, located at 300 Pat Mell Road, at approximately 8:36 a.m. after receiving reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, responders found 47-year-old Jerry Sampson Jr. of Marietta suffering from a stab wound.

Sampson was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment but later died from his injuries.

Investigators with the Cobb County Police Major Crimes Unit identified 50-year-old Zuberi A. Douglas, also of Marietta, as a suspect. Police say Douglas was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime.

Douglas is currently being held at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. Authorities stated that the investigation remains active.

Anyone with additional information related to the incident is urged to contact the Cobb County Police Major Crimes Unit at 770-499-3945.

Source: Arrest made after New Year’s morning stabbing at Millwood apartments, FOX 5 Atlanta, January 2026. Suspect in custody after fatal stabbing on Pat Mell Road, Cobb County Courier, January 2026.

Our Perspective at Georgia Victims

Georgia Victims – Violent incidents at apartment complexes, including fatal stabbings, raise serious concerns about safety and oversight within residential communities. Families affected by sudden acts of violence often face grief, uncertainty, and difficult paths forward.

When violence occurs on residential property, key questions can emerge regarding environmental conditions, on-site safety measures, and whether earlier interventions—such as surveillance, security presence, or improved lighting—might have helped reduce risks.

In incidents involving violent crime, key questions arise regarding the environment surrounding the event and whether additional security or proactive measures could have reduced risks. Families navigating the aftermath may seek guidance about their rights, support resources, or potential legal avenues if negligence contributed to unsafe condition.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer legal assistance, if desired, and represent clients on a contingency agreement—meaning no fees are owed unless we recover for you.

When a dangerous incident occurs at a residential property, apartment complex, or public area, key concerns arise regarding property safety and potential negligence.

Questions may emerge about whether appropriate security measures were in place at the Millwood Apartment Complex—such as adequate lighting, security monitoring, or other reasonable precautions—to help identify risks or deter violent activity.

• Were adequate security measures in place, such as surveillance coverage, on-site security presence, or proper monitoring of high-traffic areas?
• Did the property owner or management know about prior safety issues, disturbances, or incidents that could indicate the need for increased security?
• Could stronger precautions or timely interventions—including better lighting, active security patrols, or improved oversight—have helped reduce the risk of violence or deter dangerous behavior?

Under Georgia premises liability law, property owners and management companies may be held responsible if insufficient security contributes to preventable harm. When foreseeable risks are not addressed, families affected by violent crime may have grounds to explore a legal claim.

Were you recently injured in a shooting, violent crime, or harmed due to someone’s negligence? Have questions, need support, or want to speak with someone about your rights as a victim? Contact us today. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.  We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  

When ‘red flags’ are ignored, the consequences are life-altering. Read our deep dive into the Idaho student murder lawsuit to understand when a property owner’s silence becomes a legal liability.

Image source: Millwood Apartment Complex