An Ohio woman who killed her father-in-law and left his body to rot at home while she went on vacation was sentenced to life in prison.
Muskingum County Judge Gerald Anderson sentenced 37-year-old Brittany Cole to life in prison with the possibility of parole for the killing of 80-year-old David Cole Sr. Cole pleaded guilty to murder and abuse of a corpse due to insurmountable evidence against her.
“Brittany Cole’s actions reflect a shocking betrayal of trust. She not only ended her father-in-law’s life but then exploited his death for financial gain, hiding the truth for weeks while manipulating her family,” said Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch, according to FOX 8.
On Feb.10, 2025, the Zanesville Police Department responded to a shed behind a home at 1292 Somers Street after a report of a dead body was found. Upon arrival, they found the body of David Cole Sr. in advanced decomposition, wrapped in a tarp and a mattress cover.
Though an autopsy report initially showed the octogenarian had died due to natural causes, later investigators found text messages between the defendant and her 44-year-old husband, David Cole Jr. when he found out his father had died a month earlier and didn’t report it. As a result, further investigation revealed David Cole Sr. received a lethal combination of Tylenol 3 tablets with codeine and a significant amount of ZzzQuil.
According to prosecutors, Cole admitted administering the drugs for her father-in-law after he complained of pain around 9:30 pm on Dec. 25, 2024. Almost two hours later, when David Cole Sr. complained of pain again, the defendant administered another dose of both medications, knowing it would be fatal, before going to bed.
The next day, David Cole Sr. was dead. Then, Cole instructed the family to lie that the victim had moved to Cincinnati. Meanwhile, after the discovery by David Cole Jr., he conspired with his wife to conceal the crime since David Cole Jr. had a power of attorney over his father’s finances, including a monthly receipt of $2,300 from David Cole Sr.'s social security benefits.
Authorities uncovered several pieces of evidence, including David Cole Jr.’s phone, which had video footage of when he found his father’s dead body, and the text messages between the couple discussing plans of concealment. In addition, Cole’s internet search history showed the defendant inquired about how long it takes for a dead body to start smelling.
“This case underscores the devastating impact of elder abuse and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals,” said Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor John Litle, reported People.
David Cole Jr was also arrested and charged with tampering with evidence, possessing criminal tools, gross abuse of a corpse, obstructing justice, and endangering children. Currently, he is being held at Muskingum County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
Anderson sentenced Cole to an additional 12 months in prison for the abuse of a corpse charge. Cole will be eligible for parole after serving 16 years in prison.
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