Patrick
A disturbing multi-state investigation has come to an end with the conviction of a Kansas woman linked to the death of a missing Georgia man.
Authorities confirmed that the remains of Melvin Cooksey, reported missing in early 2023, were discovered by hikers months later—ultimately leading to the arrest and conviction of Danetta Knoblauch.
Woman Found Guilty on Multiple Charges
A Kansas resident, Danetta Knoblauch of Wichita, was convicted on Thursday on a series of serious charges. These include felony murder, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, arson, and concealing a death.
The charges stem from the death of Melvin Cooksey, whose disappearance initiated a lengthy investigation spanning several states.
Investigation Begins With a Suspicious Fire
Cooksey was first reported missing in February 2023. Newton County authorities responded to a house fire where Cooksey was last believed to be.
During their examination, investigators found that the blaze had been intentionally started, noting propane tanks placed around the property—a key sign of deliberate arson.
Hikers Discover Human Remains
The investigation took a major turn in May 2023. A couple hiking in the mountains of Fannin County located a human skull along a trail.
A medical device found nearby—a pacemaker—contained a serial number. When examined, it matched the one registered to Cooksey, officially confirming his identity.
Key Details Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Melvin Cooksey |
| Suspect | Danetta Knoblauch (Wichita, Kansas) |
| Initial Incident | House fire in Newton County (Feb 2023) |
| Body Found | Skull in Fannin County (May 2023) |
| Identification Method | Pacemaker serial number |
| Arrest Location | East Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Charges | Felony murder, assault, battery, arson, concealing a death |
Digital Evidence Played a Major Role
Investigators relied heavily on witness testimony, social media posts, phone data, and license plate reader records.
This combination of evidence helped officers tie the case directly to Knoblauch, who already had an active warrant in Kansas for an alleged sledgehammer assault against another man.
Arrest After Standoff in Louisiana
Knoblauch was eventually located in East Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When officers attempted to arrest her, she engaged in a prolonged standoff with both the Baton Rouge Police Department and Louisiana State Police. She was ultimately taken into custody on her Kansas warrants.
After her arrest, she was extradited to Georgia in July 2023 and booked into the Newton County Jail, where she awaited trial. Her conviction now brings closure to a case that crossed multiple state lines and involved months of investigative work.
The conviction of Danetta Knoblauch marks the end of a complex investigation that began with a suspicious fire and ended with the discovery of human remains hundreds of miles away.
The coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, combined with digital evidence and forensic identification, ensured justice in the tragic death of Melvin Cooksey.