Melvin Barkley: Victim's family spending sleepless nights as convicted killer escapes in prison break

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

CARROLTON, GEORGIA: Georgia authorities have launched a manhunt for Melvin Barkley, an inmate sentenced to 30 years in prison without parole for the death of a Carrolton man.

Reportedly, Barkley absconded from the Georgia Department of Corrections Atlanta Transitional Center on Ponce De Leon Avenue last Friday, where he had been assigned to work duty.

According to 11alive, the facility has two primary objectives: firstly, to equip adult male felons who are nearing the end of their incarceration with the skills and mindset necessary for responsible citizenship;

And secondly, to maintain a workforce of felons with up to forty-two months remaining on their sentences, engaging them in external assignments for various state agencies without imposing costs on taxpayers.

In light of the inmate's escape, Larry Waters, the father of the victim, Tyler Waters, is deeply concerned about the safety of his family. He fears the possibility of Barkley returning to harm his family members as per CrimeOnline.

What did GDC report?

The GDC has initiated an internal inquiry to ascertain how he came to be at the transitional facility.

As per GDC records, Barkley was convicted of theft on November 1, 2023, with a scheduled release date of July 22 of the current year. GDC maintains that his placement at the transitional facility was deemed appropriate for that particular charge.

However, just eight days later, on November 9, 2023, Barkley was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, along with other offenses, in connection with the homicide of Tyler Waters in Carrolton in 2018.

According to the GDC, on Friday, February 2, 2024, Barkley failed to return to the transitional center from his work duty.

Larry Waters received distressing call amid Melvin Barkley's escape

The day following, Larry Waters, the father of the victim killed by Barkley in 2018, received a distressing call from an individual who had conversed with Barkley's roommate at the transitional facility, alerting them of Barkley's disappearance. 

Expressing disbelief and frustration, Waters described his outrage upon witnessing the facility where his son's assailant resided. 

Although the facility appeared similar to a small apartment, Waters questioned how someone sentenced to 30 years in prison without parole could simply walk out the front door. 

He expressed concern for his family's safety upon learning of Barkley's escape and their being advised to be cautious, fearing Barkley might retaliate against them. 

When asked about the possibility of Barkley returning to Carrollton, Waters conveyed a heightened sense of vigilance, describing how his family members were unable to sleep in their rooms, opting instead to stay together in their bedroom, with him remaining alert with a firearm in hand. 

Waters reflected on the tragic loss of his son, who was fatally stabbed by Barkley during an altercation six years ago. 

Despite hoping for closure following Barkley's sentencing, Waters expressed lingering worries about Barkley's potential to harm others, given his extensive criminal history and the gravity of his actions. 

Concerned that Barkley may harm others before being apprehended, Waters disclosed their cooperation with numerous agencies, including the US Marshals Service, in the search for Barkley. 

Barkley is characterized as a Caucasian male, measuring 5 feet 7 inches in height and weighing approximately 157 pounds.

He possesses blue eyes and blond/strawberry hair. Anyone with information on Barkley's location is urged to contact 911 immediately.