Carroll Cole's Last Call: Barfly Strangler's Execution Sparks Debate
Carroll Edward Cole, known as the "Barfly Strangler," left a trail of terror across the American West during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His chilling saga of murder came to an end on December 6, 1985, when he faced execution by chemical injection in Nevada. Cole confessed to killing 13 people, though some estimates suggest the true number may have been higher.
Cole's modus operandi involved targeting women he met in bars, earning him the sinister moniker. His crimes spanned multiple states, including California and Wyoming. The execution of this prolific serial killer stirred controversy due to his willingness to die and the complex psychological factors that drove his actions.
In his final interview before execution, Cole expressed a sense of peace with his fate. This sentiment, coupled with his brutal crimes, raises questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the ethics of capital punishment. Cole's case continues to fascinate and disturb true crime enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Early Life and Background
Carroll Edward Cole's formative years were marked by family upheaval, maternal abuse, and the development of disturbing antisocial tendencies. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his later criminal behavior.
Childhood in Sioux City
Cole was born on May 9, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa. He was the second son of LaVerne and Vesta Cole. In 1939, the family welcomed a daughter. Cole spent his early childhood in Sioux City before the family relocated to Richmond, California.
The move was prompted by LaVerne's search for work in the shipyards. This transition marked a significant change in Cole's environment and family dynamics.
Vesta Cole's Influence
Vesta Cole played a crucial role in shaping her son's psychological development. She was reportedly abusive and manipulative. Vesta forced young Carroll to watch her extramarital affairs, sowing seeds of misogyny and resentment.
This toxic maternal relationship profoundly impacted Cole's view of women. It contributed to his later violent tendencies and deep-seated anger towards female figures.
World War II Impact
LaVerne Cole's deployment during World War II further disrupted the family structure. His absence left Carroll without a positive male role model during critical developmental years.
The war's impact extended beyond LaVerne's physical absence. It created economic stress and emotional strain on the family unit. These factors compounded the already challenging home environment.
Development of Antisocial Behavior
Cole's antisocial tendencies emerged early. He exhibited cruelty to animals and struggled to form meaningful relationships with peers. These behaviors are often precursors to more serious antisocial disorders.
By adolescence, Cole's problematic behavior escalated. He engaged in petty crimes and showed signs of alcohol abuse. Mental health professionals later diagnosed him with Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Cole's early experiences and genetic predisposition likely contributed to this diagnosis. The combination of family dysfunction, abuse, and lack of positive influences set the stage for his later criminal activities.
The Murders
Carroll Edward Cole's killing spree spanned multiple states and left a trail of victims in its wake. His modus operandi focused on targeting women he met in bars, earning him the moniker "Barfly Strangler."
First Killing
Cole's first known murder occurred in 1971 in San Diego, California. He strangled Essie Buck, a woman he met at a bar, in his apartment. This initial killing set the pattern for his future crimes.
Cole disposed of Buck's body in a nearby canyon. The murder went unsolved for years, allowing him to continue his deadly activities undetected.
Las Vegas Crimes
In 1977, Cole moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he committed several murders. He targeted women in local bars, often luring them with the promise of drinks or companionship.
One of his Las Vegas victims was Kathlyn Blum, whom he strangled in his apartment. Cole confessed to killing at least three women in the city, though the exact number remains uncertain.
Las Vegas police struggled to connect the murders due to Cole's transient lifestyle and the victims' backgrounds.
California Pattern
Cole's crimes in California followed a similar pattern to his Las Vegas murders. He frequented bars in various cities, including San Diego and Santa Barbara, seeking out potential victims.
In 1979, Cole strangled Diana Pashal in Santa Barbara. He left her body in a vacant lot, continuing his method of quick disposal.
California authorities faced challenges in linking the murders due to jurisdictional issues and Cole's frequent movements across the state.
Notorious Huntsville Incident
Cole's most infamous crime occurred in Huntsville, Texas, in 1980. He strangled Wanda Roberts in a motel room after meeting her at a local bar.
This murder led to Cole's arrest when a maid discovered Roberts' body. Upon questioning, Cole confessed to the killing and revealed details about his previous crimes.
The Huntsville incident marked the end of Cole's killing spree and set in motion the legal proceedings that would ultimately lead to his execution.
Capture and Trial
Carroll Edward Cole's reign of terror ended in 1980 with his arrest in San Diego. His subsequent legal proceedings and psychological evaluation revealed the depths of his disturbed psyche and the extent of his crimes.
Arrest in San Diego
On November 13, 1980, San Diego police arrested Carroll Cole for the murder of Diane Pitre. Cole had strangled Pitre in a motel room after meeting her at a bar. During questioning, Cole confessed to this killing and several others.
His arrest came after a suspicious motel clerk alerted authorities. Cole had checked in with Pitre but left alone, raising red flags. When police entered the room, they found Pitre's body.
Cole's capture marked the end of his cross-country killing spree that had claimed numerous victims across multiple states.
Legal Proceedings
Cole's trial began in 1981 in San Diego County Superior Court. He faced charges for three murders in California: Diane Pitre, Kathlyn Blum, and Marie Cushman.
The prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, including Cole's detailed confessions. Cole's defense team argued for insanity, citing his traumatic childhood and mental health issues.
On May 6, 1981, the jury found Cole guilty on all counts. He received the death penalty for his crimes in California. Cole also faced charges in other states, including Texas and Nevada.
Psychological Evaluation
Court-ordered psychological evaluations revealed Cole's deeply disturbed mind. Experts diagnosed him with antisocial personality disorder and severe alcoholism.
Cole's troubled past emerged during these assessments. He described a childhood marked by abuse and neglect. Psychologists noted his long-standing fascination with strangulation, dating back to his youth.
These evaluations played a crucial role in understanding Cole's motives but did not sway the court's decision. The experts concluded that despite his mental issues, Cole was legally sane at the time of his crimes.
Death Row and Execution
Carroll Edward Cole spent his final years on death row in Nevada before his execution in 1985. His case sparked debate over capital punishment and lethal injection protocols.
Time in Carson City
Cole arrived on death row at Nevada State Prison in Carson City in 1981. He spent four years there awaiting execution for multiple murders. During this time, Cole expressed a desire to be executed quickly rather than pursue appeals. He claimed prolonging his life would waste taxpayer money.
Cole occupied a small cell on death row. He had limited contact with other inmates and faced strict security measures. Prison records show Cole was generally compliant with rules during his incarceration.
Lethal Injection Controversy
Nevada planned to execute Cole by lethal injection, a relatively new method at the time. This sparked debate over its humaneness and reliability. Some medical professionals refused to participate, citing ethical concerns.
Critics argued lethal injection could cause suffering if administered improperly. Supporters claimed it was more humane than other methods like the gas chamber. Cole's execution would be Nevada's first by lethal injection.
The state faced challenges obtaining the necessary drugs. Some pharmaceutical companies refused to sell them for use in executions.
Final Moments and Last Meal
On December 6, 1985, Cole was transferred to the execution chamber. For his last meal, he requested:
Steak
French fries
Tossed salad
Ice cream
Cole declined spiritual counseling in his final hours. He made no last statement before the execution.
At 2:10 AM, prison officials began administering the lethal drugs. Cole was pronounced dead at 2:14 AM. Twenty-five witnesses observed the execution.
Cole's death marked Nevada's first execution since 1979. It was also the first in the western United States in six years.
Aftermath and Legacy
Carroll Cole's execution sparked intense debate about capital punishment and the justice system. His case left a lasting imprint on legal proceedings and public discourse surrounding the death penalty.
Public Reaction and Protest
Cole's execution drew both supporters and opponents of capital punishment. Anti-death penalty activists staged protests outside the prison, arguing that execution was inhumane regardless of the crimes committed. Some victims' families expressed relief at the outcome, while others questioned if justice had truly been served.
Media coverage of the case was extensive, with many outlets focusing on Cole's troubled past and history of violence. Public opinion remained divided, with polls showing a slight majority in favor of the death penalty for severe cases like Cole's.
Examination of the Judicial Process
Legal experts scrutinized Cole's case, noting potential flaws in his trial and sentencing. Questions arose about the adequacy of his legal representation and whether his mental health issues were properly considered.
The speed of Cole's execution after his conviction also faced criticism. Some argued that the rush to carry out the sentence left insufficient time for thorough appeals and review of evidence.
Prosecutors defended the process, pointing to Cole's confessions and the overwhelming evidence against him. They maintained that justice was swift but fair in this instance.
Impact on Future Death Penalty Cases
Cole's case influenced subsequent death penalty trials and appeals. Courts began placing greater emphasis on examining defendants' mental health histories and childhood trauma when considering capital cases.
The controversy surrounding Cole's execution led to more stringent review processes for death row inmates in some states. Legal teams increasingly focused on presenting mitigating factors during sentencing phases.
Legislators debated reforms to ensure fair trials in capital cases. Some states implemented new guidelines for providing adequate defense counsel and mental health evaluations for defendants facing the death penalty.
