When Gary Farris was found dead, his family became suspects in a murder investigation #shorts | Forensic Files

Gary Ferris, or Big Daddy, as he was known around town, was successful, charismatic, and devoted to his family.
Over the years, I've reported on many homicide cases, but every so often, one lingers, and this is one of them. I'm
Peter Van Sant. I want to tell you about my new podcast, Blood Is Thicker, The Ferris Wheel. It starts on a 10-acre
estate in Cherokee County, Georgia. A prominent attorney, Gary Ferris, is reported missing. Soon, investigators
make a grim discovery. His burned remains on a burn pile, and in the ashes, a bullet is lodged in one of his
ribs. Detectives knew right away this was no accident. As investigators began to examine what was happening inside the
Ferris home, they uncovered secrets, financial strain, allegations of infidelity, and long-standing
resentment. Quickly, suspicion turned toward his own family. What makes this case so compelling is how the blame
seemed to move in circles, like a Ferris wheel, shifting, redirecting, never quite settling. Listen to Blood Is
Thicker, The Ferris Wheel, now.

Brief Summary

Gary Ferris, a prominent attorney, goes missing; his remains reveal a complex family murder case in Cherokee County, Georgia.

Key points

Blood Is Thicker, The Ferris Wheel. A prominent attorney, Gary Ferris, goes missing, leading to a shocking discovery.

Episode highlights

Blood Is Thicker, The Ferris WheelA prominent attorney, Gary Ferris, goes missing, leading to a shocking discovery.“His burned remains on a burn pile, and in the ashes, a bullet is lodged in one of his ribs.”0:33Mar 13, 2026

Episode quotes

This is one of them.

Peter Van Sant reflects on a lingering homicide case.

0:13WatchMar 13, 2026

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