May 21, 2013
News 12 at 6 o'clock / Friday, Aug. 24, 2012
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- An Augusta father is in jail the same day he lost his wife and mother of their three children.
Richmond County investigators don't suspect foul play in the death of his wife but say their home was in deplorable condition and was enough to put him in jail.
Bobbi Cliett cleaned up just outside the home off Sadie Drive. It's as far as she can get because inside is a crime scene.
"When I first got the text message Friday morning, I thought it was a joke," Cliett said.
Jerri Cobranchi, 44, was found unconscious early Friday morning. Investigators believe she may have died of natural causes.
"She was just the most wonderful woman, she was a great, a great person," Cliett said.
Now, Cobranchi's husband, 47-year-old Gregg Cobranchi, can't even plan her funeral because he's in jail.
"Now, not only did Gregg lose Jeri, but now you've got three kids without a mom and a dad. You know, those kids just lost everything -- I mean, in minutes," Cliett said.
Investigators say they found roaches, maggots, rotting food and inside the refrigerator, they found a bottle of Sprite filled with maggots.
One investigator called it the "nastiest house he's ever seen."
"We've known the family, you know, for several years. I mean a mess, maybe, filthy -- doubtful. Anyone that has kids has issues," Cliett said.
If you ask investigators, these issues warrant an arrest because two kids, a 10- and a 16-year-old, were living there.
Cliett said, "This man loses his wife, and his children and now his freedom all in the matter of hours."
The two kids are now living with their 22-year-old brother. Investigators say it'll take several days for autopsy results.
Meanwhile, Mr. Cobranchi is being charged with two counts of cruelty to children.
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