Husband Anthony Welch killed, wife injured in shooting at Marietta restaurant Pappadeaux

Cobb County police are investigating after a married couple were shot after a night out, leaving one of them dead in the parking lot of a popular Marietta restaurant..

Police said Cynthia and Anthony Welch, both 48, both of Kennesaw were shot Friday night after having dinner at Pappadeaux on Windy Hill Road in Marietta. Authorities said Cynthia Welch is expected to recover but her husband was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital. 

Mrs. Welch spoke with reporters on Saturday. She said she and her husband were married 25 years and were childhood sweethearts. She also said he leaves behind two adult children.

As for the incident, Welch said the two went to Pappadeaux to celebrate her birthday, which is Monday. She went on to say, as they walked through the parking lot, a man snatched costume jewelry from her neck and demanded everything she and her husband had. But before they could hand over anything, he fired shots, according to Mrs. Welch.

Renee Cothran, Mrs. Welch's sister, said the ordeal has to their family to pieces.

"It's just a great loss. It's still surreal. We are expecting (Mr. Welch) to walk through the door or up the stairs. It is just hard," Cothran said.

Investigators confirmed they are looking into the case as a possible robbery attempt, but have not established a solid motive. They have not yet released any information on a suspect.

Christina Pappas, owner of Pappas Restaurants, offered up her condolences. She also said the company has increased security since the incident:

"Our prayers are with the entire Welch family. We thank the Cobb County Police Department for their quick response and will do anything we can to support their investigation. Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time."

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call (770) 499-3945.