Griffin man arrested a second time in wife’s 1994 murder

A Griffin man has been re-arrested in connection with the June 1994 stabbing death of his wife and Spalding County man.

Larry Stanford was arrested Monday on charges that he burglarized the home of Phillip Leaks and murdered his wife Peggy Stanford, and Leaks on June 4, 1994. On Tuesday police said the nearly 20-year-old case was never closed and was re-activated after investigators received new information in April. A 9-month investigation, and help from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, lead to the re-arrest of Stanford, police said.

Stanford was originally arrested in 1994, but he was released and charges were dropped a few weeks later after it was determined there was not enough evidence against Stanford, according to a news release.

The bodies of Leaks and Peggy Stanford were discovered at Leaks’ home, authorities said. Police received a call about a disturbance at the residence and upon their arrival, found a bloody scene. The condition of the home led police to believe there had been a confrontation before the two were stabbed to death. The GBI was called in to help process the crime scene and to take pictures, the release said.

Larry Stanford is being held in the Spalding County jail.