Na Cola Franklin

Background

Na Cola Franklin was convicted of killing her fiancé on their wedding day. The killing occurred in Whitehall Township, in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. Franklin’s attorney said she never meant for it to happen.

Billy Brewster was described as a truck driver. His mother, Barbara Obas, spoke about the case and said she did not know her son, Billy Brewster, was dead until she arrived at his Olympic Circle apartment for his wedding.

Brewster’s mother said he wanted his family to live in a safe neighborhood and said she planned to “file an appeal and see if maybe we can convince another court that it was a manslaughter case and not a murder in the first degree case.”

The offence

Franklin and Billy Brewster got into an argument inside their apartment in Whitehall Township in the early morning hours of Aug. 11, 2012.

Prosecutors said Franklin stabbed Brewster in the chest, killing him. In court testimony, Franklin stabbed Brewster three times in the couple’s living room. A forensic pathologist testified that Brewster was stabbed twice.

Relatives told police that Franklin pulled out a knife and stabbed Brewster twice.

Victim’s mother described the argument as over trivial matters, saying it was about “the dress and eating sandwiches” and that it was “just things that wouldn't have made a bit of difference.”

One narrative described the confrontation as occurring around 2 a.m. and another described it as occurring around 3 a.m., and Brewster was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 3:24 a.m.

Investigation

A Lehigh County investigator said that, when interviewed after the scene, Franklin broke down crying, saying she didn’t mean it and still wanted to marry Brewster.

During trial, the jury heard about 911 calls. In one 911 call, Franklin said Brewster was drunk and was going to steal their baby, and she threatened him. In a second call, Franklin told the operator Brewster had just beaten her up and stole her baby. The defense questioned why Brewster’s statement was not picked up in the 911 call that did get Franklin telling Brewster he was drunk and accusing him of wanting to drive off with the couple’s baby.

The defense attorney John Waldron said it hurt his client that prosecutors used 911 tapes to prove their point.

Arrest

Franklin was arrested and charged with criminal homicide in Brewster’s death.

At her arraignment, Franklin appeared distraught and confused to learn Brewster was dead. She told the judge, “You got to check again!”

At her arraignment, when asked about the charge, Franklin reportedly stood mute. When the judge repeated the question, Franklin sobbed through her response: “I … did … not … kill … him … on … purpose.”

At that arraignment, District Judge Donna Butler responded: “He was pronounced dead by the Lehigh County coroner earlier today,” and Franklin wailed and covered her face in her hands. Franklin said: “I want my family back,” and “I want to go home.”

Authorities said Franklin was being held without bond.

Trial

Na Cola Franklin was on trial for first-degree murder. Jurors found her guilty of first-degree murder after deliberating about three hours in Lehigh County Court.

Franklin’s attorney John Waldron said the sentence would be life in prison for his client because it was mandated by Pennsylvania law, and he said he felt the first degree murder charge may be too harsh.

Waldron said during trial that Brewster had come home drunk after an impromptu bachelor party. Waldron said Brewster attacked Franklin and tried to leave with the couple’s 9-month-old son. Waldron argued Franklin killed Brewster after grabbing a knife to protect her child, and he pushed for a voluntary manslaughter conviction, which carries a lighter sentence.

Prosecutors said the child was not in danger and sought a first-degree murder conviction.

First Assistant District Attorney Steven Luksa said: “he hopes the verdict will bring some comfort to Brewster’s family.”

During trial, the jury heard from people who were inside the apartment the morning of the homicide. Brewster’s cousin Nakia Kali and his wife Monique Kali testified about the three visiting a strip club on Aug. 10.

Monique Kali testified that, after Franklin stabbed Brewster, she tackled Franklin until Kali could take away the knife. A witness testified that after Franklin stabbed Brewster, Nakia Kali saw his cousin put his hands up in the air, asking Franklin, “is this really what you want to do?”

The jury also heard from witnesses about the wedding day and the events at the apartment building. Neighbor Steve Engel said the pastor who was supposed to marry the couple came looking for them at the apartment building. Engel said people “in suits and dresses” then began showing up throughout the day.

Franklin’s defense also questioned how much the pair had to drink at the strip club and asked the two if they knew of the two 911 calls made and why Brewster’s statement wasn’t picked up in the 911 call.

A 911 call included Franklin telling Brewster, “You're going to die tonight,” and “I'm going to kill you.” John Waldron said he felt hurt his client.

Sentencing

Franklin was sentenced to life in prison on July 16, 2013.

At sentencing, Franklin apologized to the family of Billy Brewster.

Brewster’s mother told the judge it was a sad case because her son was killed by the woman he loved. She told the judge that who knew the danger Brewster was trying to protect his family from was in his own bed, and she said they would “file an appeal and see if maybe we can convince another court that it was a manslaughter case and not a murder in the first degree case.”

After the hearing, Brewster’s mother told 69 News: “We got justice.”

Appeals

John Waldron said an appeal was likely.

Brewster’s mother said the family would appeal and seek to convince another court that it was a manslaughter case and not a murder in the first degree case.

Outcome

Franklin was convicted of first-degree murder and received a life prison sentence on July 16, 2013.

Aftermath

Barbara Obas said the family would bury Billy Brewster on Thursday morning. She said: “We came for a wedding, and we're burying Billy on Thursday morning.”

Brewster’s mother said relatives were caring for Brewster’s two children and Franklin’s child from a previous relationship, who police said were home when the stabbing happened.

Barbara Obas urged: “Pray, trust God, and no matter what, don't resort to violence,” and she said she was now looking for closure.