An Ohio woman has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after sixteen years for the murder of her father-in-law on Christmas Day. Brittany Cole admitted to killing 80-year-old David Cole Sr. and pleaded guilty to murder and abuse of a corpse.
Authorities in Muskingum County, Ohio, discovered Cole Sr.’s body on February 10 inside a shed at a residence in Zanesville. Investigators determined that Brittany had administered fatal doses of medication on Christmas Eve, using her daughter’s dental prescription. Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch stated that she gave Cole Sr. three tablets of Tylenol with codeine and a significant amount of ZzzQuil late in the evening. After 11 p.m., she administered another dose of Tylenol and ZzzQuil, knowing it would be fatal.
At 5 a.m. on Christmas morning, Brittany discovered Cole Sr. had died and later admitted to police that her plan was complete. She then took her family on vacation to Orlando, Florida, from December 25 to January 1, leaving Cole Sr.’s body to decompose inside his bedroom.
On January 8, her husband, David Cole Jr., discovered his father’s body and allegedly began texting Brittany about how to remove it. Investigators found messages between the two discussing ways to dispose of the body. David reportedly ordered a mattress cover from Amazon Prime and used it to wrap his father’s remains before moving them first to the sunroom and later to the shed. Evidence also revealed Brittany had searched online on Christmas morning, asking how long it takes for a body to start smelling after death.
Authorities say Brittany was motivated by financial gain. Following Cole Sr.’s death, she continued receiving his $2,300 monthly social security benefits. Prosecutors allege that David, who had power of attorney over his father, transferred the money to Brittany, which she used to pay for household expenses and utilities.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Litle emphasized that the case highlights the serious issue of elder abuse and the need to protect vulnerable individuals. Charges against David Cole Jr. are still pending as the investigation continues.
