‘I’m still shaking.’ Former prosecutor in Arbery murder case gets emotional over guilty verdicts

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Former Special Prosecutor and Cobb County District Attorney Joyette Holmes said she was overcome with emotion when she heard the guilty verdicts against the three men who killed Ahmaud Arbery.

Holmes oversaw the drafting of the indictment that formed the basis of the case in those convictions. She had to relinquish her role as special prosecutor after Flynn Broady was elected Cobb County DA.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne spoke with Holmes shortly after the verdict was delivered Wednesday, and Holmes said the case clearly had a powerful impact on her.

Winne: “When you heard the verdict, what happened in you?”

Holmes: “I’m still shaking. It’s definitely an emotional moment. But I first just want to send hugs and love to Wanda Cooper-Jones and Marcus Arbery, Ahmaud’s parents. Because while they can’t bring Ahmaud back, having this verdict come in and the justice that so many people, including myself, and I know that team over in the Cobb District Attorney’s Office, prayed to see is what we just saw in that verdict.

“I am happy that the justice I heard laid out in that case actually come to fruition in the verdicts as it did. Certainly, congratulate that team at the Cobb District Attorney’s Office for the work that they have done throughout.”

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Winne: “The Georgia Bureau of Investigation came in and did an investigation and charges were brought in about two days, right?”

Holmes: “Yes. They did an amazing job.”

Winne: “We live in troubled times, particularly when it comes to the relationship between some communities and the criminal justice system. Is there a message that should be taken from what happened today?”

Holmes: “Hold on. It’s not perfect now. It may never be perfect, but we all play a part in what it will move forward to be.”

Winne: “Were your prayers answered?”

Holmes: “The prayers don’t stop today. That family and that community are going to continue to need prayers.”

Holmes said the hurt, pain and tears from losing a loved one doesn’t stop with these verdicts and will continue to pray for the family as they move forward.

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