Cole Sentenced in Death of Father-in-Law

Muskingum County- A Zanesville woman plead guilty to murder and abuse of a corpse in connection with the death of her father-in-law.

Judge Gerald Anderson immediately sentenced Brittany Cole to the maximum penalty of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 16 years. Zanesville Police said on February 10, they received a call reporting a dead body in a shed behind 1292 Somers Street. Officers discovered David Cole Sr.’s body wrapped in a tarp and plastic mattress cover, deceased.

Authorities said Cole later confessed she had given Cole Sr. a significant amount about of Tylenol 3 Tablets and Codeine and a significant amount of ZZZquil, Christmas Eve. Later that night she gave him another dose of Tylenol 3s and additional ZZZquil knowing it would be fatal. Cole hid her crime telling family to lie and say Cole Sr. had moved to Cincinnati.

On January 8, David Cole Jr, Brittany’s husband discovered the body while Brittany was at school where she was studying in the field of nursing. Text messages reveal their awareness of the decomposing body and plans to move it, eventually placing it in the shed.

The investigation uncovered financial motives behind the concealment. David Cole Sr. received $2,300 monthly social security benefits, deposited into a bank account managed by David Cole Jr., his power of attorney.

After David Srs death, police said the couple continued to receive and spend these funds.