A woman from Ohio admitted to using her daughter’s prescription pain medication and ZZZQuil to kill her father-in-law. She then kept the body hidden in her home for several weeks until a tip-off led the police to the scene.
Brittany Cole, a nursing student, administered a lethal dose of Tylenol 3 with codeine and ZzzQuil to her father-in-law, David Cole Sr., causing his death. Afterward, she lied to her family, claiming he had moved to Cincinnati. The family went on a vacation to Orlando, returning to find David Cole Sr.’s body a week later.
David Cole Jr., the victim’s son, discovered his father’s body in a bedroom upon their return. He then informed his wife, and together they wrapped the body in a tarp and mattress bag, initially placing it in the home’s sunroom before moving it to a shed, where it was hidden until authorities were notified in February.
Police found the body “in a state of advanced decomposition,” as would be expected after it had remained hidden away for six weeks.
Investigators say there were some financial motives for the murder and concealment, as Cole Jr. and his wife continued to accept and use Cole Sr’s Social Security benefits after his death.
Investigators found security camera footage that showed Cole Jr.’s discovery of his father’s body along with his text messages about the smell and plans to dispose of the body. They also found December 25 Google search by Brittany Cole, who asked “when someone dies how long does it take for the body to start smelling.”
“Brittany Cole’s actions reflect a shocking betrayal of trust,” according to Prosecutor Ron Welch. “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.” Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Litle added, “This case underscores the devastating impact of elder abuse and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals.”
Brittany Cole pleaded guilty to murder and abuse of a corpse on Wednesday and was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 16 years.
Charges against her husband are pending.
