Gwinnett police release 911 call from Buford murder, more charges filed against suspect

Gwinnett County police continue to release more information on the beating death of a Buford man at the hands of his son earlier this week.

 

Friday morning, authorities released the 911 tape from a neighbor who called after the victim's wife showed up at their house, looking for help. (Access the full content of the audio at the left of the article.)

 

Investigators still have not said what prompted Joseph Cook, 40, to kill his father Larry Cook, 68. They said he used a crowbar to beat his father during the course of an argument at the home on Bridle Glen Drive. The younger Cook faces charges of murder and aggravated assault in his father's death.

 

Also Friday, authorities announced additional charges of aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer and felony obstruction of a law enforcement officer against Joseph Cook in the assault of a police officer following the arrest.

 

A press statement said the officer who transported the suspect to Gwinnett Police Department Headquarters was standing with two other detectives in an interview room and removing the handcuffs from Joseph Cook.  After the handcuffs were removed, the suspect turned and punched the officer in the face. The statement said she immediately withdrew from the room while the two other detectives physically restrained the suspect on the ground until additional officers came to assist. The officer sustained a broken nose as the result of the incident. 

 

Gwinnett authorities also confirmed through the Department of Corrections website, Joseph Cook was sentenced to 20 years for an aggravated assault offense on October 25, 2013, in Troup County. He was released from prison on November 23, 2015 and had been on parole prior to Wednesday's deadly incident.