Daughter pleads not guilty, facing involuntary manslaughter after dad dies of cardiac arrest

Daughter facing involuntary manslaughter after dad dies of cardiac arrest in Columbus(Source: Columbus Police Dept.)
Published: Feb. 2, 2023 at 10:56 AM EST|Updated: Feb. 3, 2023 at 10:43 AM EST

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - A daughter is facing involuntary manslaughter charges after her dad died from cardiac arrest.

On Wednesday, February 1, at approximately 8:45 p.m., a man was transported to St. Francis Hospital by EMS because he went into cardiac arrest.

67-year-old Jerry Faulkner was pronounced dead at 8:56 p.m. The paramedics alerted Columbus officers at the hospital that Faulkner had visible injuries on his face and neck.

Officers responded to the 2000 block of Wellborn Drive – the location where Faulkner was picked up by EMS. After speaking to witnesses, the Homicide Unit was called to take lead on the investigation.

Officials say probable cause was established to arrest and charge 37-year-old Marisa Faulkner, the victim’s daughter, with involuntary manslaughter and battery.

According to witnesses in court on Feb. 3, they indicate that the victim was under hospice care for congestive heart condition as well as COPD. Witnesses say the altercation could have led to the victim’s death.

Other witnesses say that the victim did not take care for his health - and also said Jerry and Marisa had a very volatile relationship.

Jerry Faulkner’s sister spoke in court, saying she heard them arguing over the phone and that she could hear Jerry screaming. His sister claims she said, “You need to calm down, you have a heart condition.”

The detectives handling the case acknowledge that they are awaiting further evidence from the victim’s autopsy before confirming any altercation between the victim and suspect and the cause of his death.

Marisa Faulkner pleaded not guilty and the case was bound over to Superior Court. Faulkner is being held on a $25,000 bond for involuntary manslaughter and is also supposed to have a mental evaluation. If bonded out, Marisa will be required to wear an ankle monitor.