In its sixth episode, Death in the Dorms Season 2 covers the case of Latasha Norman, a promising student in an abusive relationship with her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Stanley Cole. In 2007, Cole murdered Norman, and since then the case has raised significant awareness about domestic violence and abusive relationships.
Where is Stanley Cole now?
Stanley Cole is currently incarcerated in the East Mississippi Correctional Facility, where he is serving a forty-year manslaughter sentence.
Cole was arrested and admitted to killing Latasha. The subsequent trial would lead to some controversy, and the initial life sentence would be appealed with the charge being reduced to manslaughter. An article in World Times Today would report:
“Stanley Cole is currently housed at the East Mississippi Correctional Facility and has been incarcerated since April 2014. His tentative release date is scheduled for May 19, 2038”.
Prison Sentence Explained
Cole was initially sentenced to life in prison for the killing of Latasha. The pair had been in a relationship that led to claims of domestic abuse, with Latasha reporting to the police that Cole had previously struck her. A month later Latasha would be dead, and it was reported that Cole had struck her on the head, leading to her death. His attorney, Matt Eichelberger, a Hinds County Assistant Public Defender, pushed for a motion that jurors should be allowed to consider a charge of manslaughter in the case, a lesser charge, that was initially denied by Judge Swan Yerger.
However, in February 2012, a request for a new trial was granted, under the auspices that defendants are entitled to jury instructions that allow their version of the story to be presented, allowing the jury to determine the credibility of evidence. Cole would then plead guilty to manslaughter and his sentence was reduced. It was determined that Cole’s sentence would be reduced to forty years.
Latasha Norman | Image WLBT
Were Stanley Cole and Latasha Norman in a relationship?
The couple were in a relationship, but it was a turbulent one, and Cole had been abusive towards Latasha in the past. A month before her death, she had reported Cole’s behavior towards her to the authorities.
Does the University still commemorate Latasha?
Jacksonville State University holds an annual event that helps keep the memory of Latasha alive. Every year a 5K run is organized at the campus. At the 2018 event, JSU Newsroom reported Latasha’s father as saying:
“This is the 11th year of the Latasha Norman Walk. We’re so appreciative that JSU has held up to its word. They continue to do what they promised. Awareness about domestic abuse is much needed on this campus and in the city. You can get out of this situation by seeking help. The Latasha Norman Centre is supplying that by educating people that domestic violence is wrong and will not be tolerated”.
The Latasha Norman Center for Counselling Services was also formed in Latasha’s memory as a short-term student support service.
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