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Written by: E. George
Published September 11, 2024 @ 1:20 PM ET
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Jury selection has begun in a high-profile case involving Christopher Griggs, a 27-year-old man charged with the murder of Reverend Marita Harrell, a respected pastor from DeKalb County.
On May 18, 2022, Rev. Marita Harrell’s body was discovered in a burned van abandoned on a remote stretch of Coffee Road in DeKalb County. According to authorities, Harrell was found by her husband and oldest daughter, who had tracked her phone after she did not return home that evening.
The prosecution alleges that Christopher Griggs, who had been a counseling client of Harrell, was responsible for her death. Investigators claim that Griggs, who had a counseling session with Harrell on the night she was killed, stabbed her at his residence on Panola Road.
Following the murder, Griggs reportedly disposed of her body in her van, transported the van to the secluded location, and set it ablaze in an attempt to destroy evidence and hide the crime.
Griggs’ past is marked by a series of legal issues. Prior to the murder, he had been involved in various criminal activities and had multiple pending legal matters.
His legal troubles began in August 2020 when he was arrested for posing as a detective at a Gwinnett County car dealership. According to police, Griggs, armed with a gun and handcuffs, attempted to steal a vehicle under the pretense of it being part of a hit-and-run investigation. He subsequently drove off with the car, only to be confronted by the dealership staff and later arrested.
Following his release from jail, Griggs faced further legal issues. Within just 12 days, he was arrested again for posing as a police officer and sexually battering a woman.
On this occasion, Griggs, dressed in a tactical police uniform, used the pretext of arrest to coerce and overpower a woman in a parking garage. She managed to escape and call for help, leading to Griggs’ arrest.
In March, Griggs was transferred to Fulton County Jail after being charged with attempting to take a guard’s firearm. Records indicate that he spent the next year there. His repeated failures to appear in court for scheduled hearings led to additional bench warrants being issued for his arrest.
Rev. Harrell, a 57-year-old pastor at Connections at Metropolitan United Methodist Church, was known for her deep compassion and dedication to helping others. Despite concerns from her family about the risks associated with mentoring incarcerated and troubled people like Griggs, Harrell continued her outreach work, believing it was her divine calling.
Her daughter described her mother as having “an open, wonderful and accepting heart” and being deeply committed to helping people, regardless of their background.
Rev. Harrell’s husband reflected on his wife’s unwavering commitment, noting that she believed, “God has placed these people in my life; I cannot turn away from them.” This dedication was evident in her efforts to mentor Griggs, despite the risks.
Rev. Harrell’s family remains committed to keeping her memory alive, stating that “her light will be shining forever.”
Griggs was out on bond pending trials in Gwinnett and DeKalb counties at the time of the murder. He is charged with malice murder and first-degree arson.