Andre Cole
Murderer
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- Gender
- male
- Country
- USA
- Location
- St. Louis County, Missouri, USA
- Date of birth
- October 3, 1962
- Age at first offence
- 36
- Characteristics
- domestic violence
- Victim profile
- Anthony Curtis, who was visiting his ex-wife
- Method of murder
- St abbing with knife
- Date(s) of murder
- August 21, 1998
- Years active
- 1998
- Date of arrest
- September 23, 1998 (surrenders)
- Status
-
Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on March 9, 2001
Background
Andre Cole and his wife, Terri Cole (Terri), divorced in 1995 after eleven years of marriage. Cole was ordered to pay child support for the care of the couple's two children, but his periodic failure to make payments resulted in an arrearage totaling nearly $3000.00.
The offence
Upon learning that a payroll withholding order was issued to his employer, Cole commented to his coworkers, "Before I give her another dime I'll kill the bitch." The first payroll deduction for child support appeared on Cole's August 21, 1998 paycheck.
Several hours later, Cole forced his entry into Terri's house by throwing an automobile jack through the glass door leading to the dining room. Anthony Curtis (Curtis), who was visiting Terri, confronted Cole and asked him to leave. Cole stabbed Curtis multiple times, resulting in Curtis's death.
Cole then assaulted Terri, stabbing her repeatedly in the stomach, breasts, back, and arms, and her hands when she attempted to defend herself. Terri survived.
Investigation
DNA analysis confirmed the presence of both victims' blood on the knife and the presence of Cole's blood on the deck of Terri's home, the backyard fence, and in the street where Cole's car had been parked.
Arrest
After the attack, Cole fled the state, but he returned to St. Louis and surrendered to the police thirty-three days later.
Trial
United States Distric Court Eastern District of Missouri memorandum and order State of Missouri vs. Andre Cole.
Sentencing
Cole was sentenced to death on March 9, 2001.
Outcome
Terri survived the assault. Curtis died from stab wounds inflicted by Cole. Cole surrendered thirty-three days after the attack following his flight from the state.
Other details
Cole's comment to coworkers was tied to the payroll withholding order and his child support arrearage. The attack occurred after the first payroll deduction for child support appeared on August 21, 1998. Cole's blood was found at multiple locations around Terri's home, including the backyard fence and the street where his car had been parked.
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