Carol Marlin was a talented, intelligent woman whose life reflected hard work, loyalty, and compassion. She lived and worked in Marietta, Georgia, where she was respected professionally and beloved by those who knew her personally. Her murder in 1996, alongside her longtime friend Margaret “Maggie” Ginn, left a lasting scar on her family and community. For nearly a decade, her case remained unsolved, until a second tragedy — the murder of John Peek’s second wife, Kasi — helped expose the truth.
Carol’s story was revisited in Dateline NBC’s episode Deadly Omission, which revealed how her death was not an isolated act of violence but part of a deeply calculated pattern that remained hidden for years.
- “Deadly Omission”: Dateline Unravels a Chilling Georgia Mystery January 25 2026
- Who is John Peek & Where Is He Now? 2026 Update & Background
- Who was Kasi Peek & What Happened to Her? 2026 Update & Background
- Who was Maggie Ginn & What Happened to Her? 2026 Update & Background
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A Dedicated Professional and Cherished Friend
Carol worked as a program planner at Lockheed, where she was known for her intelligence and meticulous nature. She took pride in her work and had formed close relationships with colleagues, including her friend and former coworker Margaret Ginn. Carol’s friendships extended beyond the workplace; she was described by her loved ones as someone with a vibrant personality who brought positivity and warmth into every room.
She was married to John William Peek, a seemingly accomplished man employed in the IT sector. To most, their marriage appeared typical, with no visible signs of trouble. However, behind the scenes, John had begun orchestrating a deadly plan motivated by financial gain.
The Night Everything Changed
On June 13, 1996, Carol and Maggie met for dinner, a familiar and friendly gathering that should have ended safely. But later that night, both women were found bludgeoned to death in Maggie Ginn’s home. The crime scene raised immediate concerns: no forced entry, no valuables taken, and an unusual piece of evidence — a torn Lockheed invoice with the name of a coworker, Barry Webb, handwritten on it, placed in Carol’s hand.
The killings appeared staged. Investigators initially focused on Carol’s husband, John Peek, who had recently been made the primary beneficiary of her $700,000 life insurance policy — a change he had convinced Carol to make just weeks earlier. Peek told authorities he had nothing to do with her disappearance and claimed Carol had simply gone out to dinner and failed to return.
Despite growing suspicions and inconsistencies in his story, the evidence remained circumstantial. Investigators lacked the physical proof needed to charge him, and the case eventually went cold.
Remembered for Her Strength and Kindness
For years, Carol’s family and friends held onto hope that justice would one day be served. Her sister and close friends remembered her as intelligent, witty, and full of life. She had dreams and plans, and she worked hard to achieve them. Her bond with Maggie Ginn was one of trust and companionship, making the circumstances of their deaths even more heartbreaking.
The grief was compounded by the lack of resolution. Families of both victims waited years for answers, unable to move forward while the person responsible remained free.
Justice Delayed — But Not Denied
Carol’s case was revived following the murder of Kasi Peek in 2005. Investigators immediately noted the similarities between the two crime scenes, and when John Peek revealed during questioning that his first wife had also been murdered, it became clear that the cases were connected.
In 2007, after nearly 11 years of uncertainty, John Peek pleaded guilty to the murders of Carol Marlin, Maggie Ginn, and Kasi Peek. He was sentenced to three concurrent life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Carol Marlin’s life was taken far too soon, but her legacy endures. Through the persistence of her family, friends, and law enforcement, the truth was finally brought to light. Her story is a reminder of the importance of never giving up — and of the strength of those who fight for justice even in the face of silence.