Carroll Cole

Carroll Cole

Carroll Edward Cole (May 9, 1938 – December 6, 1985) was an American serial killer who was convicted for the murder of at least 16 women during the 1970s and early 1980s. Cole's troubled childhood, marked by abuse and neglect, has been cited as a factor contributing to his criminal behavior. His case has been extensively analyzed in the fields of psychology and criminal justice for insights into the nature of serial killers.

Early Life

Carroll Edward Cole was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to LaVerne and Vesta Cole. His early life was characterized by a tumultuous family environment, with reports of physical and emotional abuse. Cole's mother was described as domineering and would often dress him in girls' clothing as a form of punishment, which led to bullying and social isolation during his childhood. These experiences are believed to have played a significant role in Cole's psychological development.

Criminal Activities

Cole's criminal behavior began in his childhood with acts of petty theft and escalated to murder in his adulthood. His first known murder was committed in 1948, when he was just 10 years old, although he was not convicted for this crime. Over the years, Cole developed a pattern of targeting women, often those he met in bars or those who reminded him of his abusive mother. His method of killing typically involved strangulation.

Arrest and Conviction

Carroll Cole was arrested multiple times throughout his life for various offenses, including theft and assault, but it was not until 1980 that he was arrested for murder. After his arrest, Cole confessed to numerous killings, and investigations linked him to multiple unsolved murders across several states. He was tried and convicted for several of these murders and was sentenced to death.

Execution

Carroll Edward Cole was executed by lethal injection on December 6, 1985, at Nevada State Prison. His execution brought an end to the life of one of America's lesser-known but nonetheless deadly serial killers.

Legacy

The case of Carroll Cole is often cited in discussions about the criminal justice system's handling of serial killers, the importance of early psychological intervention, and the potential impact of childhood abuse on adult behavior. Cole's life and crimes have been the subject of various books and documentaries, contributing to the broader discourse on serial murder in American society.

See Also

• Serial killer
• Psychology of serial killers
• Capital punishment in the United States