Albany rape victim dies after being beaten, raped and left to die in a field
ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Melissa Law, the woman who was beaten, raped and left for dead in an Albany field more than a week ago, has died.
Law’s family confirmed that she died Sunday night at Phoebe Putney Health System. The family is now asking the public and the justice system for help.
“I’m glad no one can hurt her anymore,” said Law’s sister Jessica Cloud.
On August 18, Cloud said goodbye to her sister. This situation was a nightmare that she never believed would happen to her family.
According to the Albany Police Department (APD), Law had been in critical condition since an off-duty officer found her barely alive in a field on South Jefferson Street on August 10.
She was placed on life support and breathed on a ventilator for five days. On Thursday, August 15, Law’s family decided to take her off life support.
The Phoebe Putney Health System held an honor march for her as the family planned to donate her organs. However, Law survived longer than expected and missed the window for organ donation.
Her family is now turning their attention to her funeral and justice.
“The individual we have in jail, Mr. Johnnie Jones, has previously been in jail for aggravated assault, aggravated battery, rape and aggravated stalking. The charge will be upgraded to murder once the warrants are signed by the judge,” said APD Chief Michael Persley.
Now, says Cloud, she just wants to say a proper goodbye to her sister.
“We started the GoFundMe campaign, but my mom and I are homeless. When we leave the hospital, we don’t know where to go and we need help,” Cloud said.
If you would like to help Melissa Law’s family pay for her memorial service and funeral, you can donate using this link.
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