Last Call: Carroll Edward Cole's Deadly Nightcap
Serial Killer's Final Drink Before Execution
Carroll Edward Cole left a trail of terror across the American West in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Known as the "Barfly Strangler," Cole frequented bars to find his victims, typically targeting women he encountered while drinking. His killing spree spanned multiple states and claimed at least 13 lives, though Cole himself claimed to have murdered as many as 35 people.
Cole's troubled past and severe alcoholism fueled his violent tendencies. Despite openly admitting to violent fantasies and previous attacks, he was repeatedly released from custody. This oversight allowed him to continue his murderous rampage unchecked for years.
In 1985, Cole was executed by lethal injection in Nevada, becoming the first person put to death in the Western United States since 1979. He had insisted on his own execution, claiming that prolonging his life would be a waste of taxpayer money. Cole's case highlights the devastating consequences of untreated mental illness and substance abuse, as well as failures in the criminal justice system to recognize and contain dangerous offenders.
Early Life and Psychological Development
Carroll Edward Cole's early years were marked by trauma and instability, setting the stage for his later criminal behavior. His experiences shaped his psychological development in profound ways, leading to antisocial tendencies and violent impulses.
Traumatic Childhood
Cole was born on May 9, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa. His family life was turbulent from the start. Cole's father, LaVerne, was often absent due to work and military service. His mother, Vesta, allegedly engaged in extramarital affairs.
As a young child, Cole witnessed his mother's infidelities. He claimed she forced him to watch her encounters with other men. This exposure to adult sexuality at a tender age deeply affected Cole's psyche.
The family moved to California when Cole was young. This uprooting added to his sense of instability.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Cole's traumatic experiences likely contributed to the development of antisocial personality disorder. He showed early signs of this condition, including:
Lack of empathy
Disregard for social norms
Impulsivity
Aggression
Cole struggled to form meaningful relationships. He often felt isolated and misunderstood by his peers.
As a teenager, Cole began abusing alcohol. This exacerbated his antisocial tendencies and impaired his judgment.
Onset of Violent Tendencies
Cole's violent impulses emerged in childhood. At age 8, he attempted to drown a young playmate. This incident marked the beginning of a pattern of aggression.
Throughout his teenage years, Cole's violent fantasies intensified. He particularly fixated on harming women, a desire he attributed to his anger towards his mother.
Cole's first known adult crime occurred in his early 20s. He assaulted a woman in a bar, foreshadowing his future attacks.
His alcoholism worsened over time, often fueling his violent outbursts. Cole later claimed that drinking helped quiet the voices in his head that urged him to kill.
Timeline of Crimes
Carroll Edward Cole's murderous rampage spanned multiple states and decades. His actions left a trail of victims across California, Nevada, and Texas before his eventual capture and confession.
The 1970s Murder Spree
Cole's killing spree began in the early 1970s. He targeted women in California, often strangling them after drinking together. In 1971, he murdered Essie Buck in San Diego. Cole's violence escalated throughout the decade.
He moved between states, making it difficult for law enforcement to connect the crimes. In 1977, Cole killed Diana Pashal in Dallas, Texas. Two years later, on September 17, 1979, he strangled his wife Diana at their home.
After each murder, Cole would often wrap the bodies in blankets and hide them.
Capture and Confession
Cole's crimes caught up with him in November 1980. He was arrested in Dallas for the murder of Wanda Roberts. During questioning, Cole shocked investigators by confessing to multiple murders.
His admissions spanned several states. Cole provided details about killings in California, Nevada, and Texas. Las Vegas detective Joe McGuckin flew to Dallas on December 3, 1980, to interview Cole.
The confession helped solve several cold cases, including the murders of Kathlyn Blum and Marie Cushman in Las Vegas.
Victims and Their Stories
Cole's victims were predominantly women he met in bars. Many were strangled in their homes or hotel rooms. Some of his known victims include:
Essie Buck (San Diego, 1971)
Diana Pashal (Dallas, 1977)
Kathlyn Blum (Las Vegas, 1979)
Marie Cushman (Las Vegas, 1979)
Diana Cole (Dallas, 1979) - Cole's wife
Wanda Roberts (Dallas, 1980)
Cole claimed to have killed up to 14 women, though the exact number remains uncertain. Each victim's story represents a life cut short by Cole's murderous actions.
Investigation and Arrest
Carroll Edward Cole's capture involved extensive police work, forensic analysis, and witness accounts. His criminal history and pattern of violence emerged as investigators pieced together evidence from multiple crime scenes.
Law Enforcement and Criminal Record
Cole's criminal record dated back to his youth, with arrests for various offenses. Police departments across several states collaborated to track his movements and connect him to unsolved murders. Cole's habit of frequenting bars made establishing his whereabouts challenging. Detectives meticulously combed through missing persons reports and unsolved homicide cases to identify potential victims.
Law enforcement agencies created a timeline of Cole's activities, revealing a disturbing pattern of travel and violence. His arrests for public intoxication and assault provided crucial data points for investigators.
Forensic Evidence and Autopsy Findings
Autopsies of Cole's victims revealed consistent strangulation marks and other similarities. Forensic experts analyzed fiber evidence, DNA samples, and fingerprints found at crime scenes. The medical examiners noted bruising patterns that matched Cole's modus operandi.
Toxicology reports often showed high alcohol levels in victims' blood, aligning with Cole's strategy of targeting intoxicated women. Investigators used forensic odontology to compare bite marks on victims to Cole's dental records.
The Role of Witnesses
Bartenders and patrons provided key testimonies, describing Cole's interactions with victims. Some witnesses recalled seeing Cole leave establishments with women who were later found dead. Hotel staff and taxi drivers offered valuable information about Cole's movements.
Surviving victims who escaped Cole's attacks gave crucial details about his appearance and behavior. Their accounts helped police create accurate suspect profiles and composite sketches. Witness statements were instrumental in corroborating physical evidence and strengthening the case against Cole.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Carroll Edward Cole faced multiple murder charges across several states. His case involved complex legal proceedings, including efforts to extradite him between jurisdictions and ultimately resulted in a death sentence.
Murder Charges and Trial
Cole was charged with murders in California, Nevada, and Texas. In Nevada, he pleaded guilty to the murder of Kathlyn J. Blum. The Texas trial focused on the murder of Wanda Faye Roberts. Cole was found guilty by a jury in Texas for strangling Roberts to death.
Cole's criminal history and confessions to multiple murders were key factors in the legal proceedings. The prosecution presented evidence of his violent past and pattern of targeting women.
Efforts to Extradite
Law enforcement agencies in California, Nevada, and Texas coordinated efforts to prosecute Cole for his crimes. Extradition became necessary to ensure he faced charges in multiple jurisdictions.
The process involved legal negotiations between states to determine where Cole would be tried first. Priority was given to cases with the strongest evidence and likelihood of conviction.
The Death Sentence
Cole received the death sentence in Nevada for his crimes. The Nevada Supreme Court affirmed his death sentence, rejecting appeals filed on his behalf.
Cole actively resisted attempts to file appeals, stating that prolonging his life would waste taxpayer money. This unusual stance limited the number of civil liberties groups willing to defend him.
On December 6, 1985, Carroll Edward Cole was executed by lethal injection in Nevada. It marked the first execution in the Western United States since 1979. Twenty-five witnesses observed the execution.
Cole's Imprisonment and Execution
Carroll Edward Cole spent his final years on death row in Nevada. He faced legal challenges but ultimately accepted his fate. The state carried out his execution by lethal injection in 1985.
Life on Death Row
Cole was incarcerated at Nevada State Prison in Carson City. He adapted to the rigid routine of death row. Cole spent 23 hours a day in his cell. He was allowed one hour for exercise in a small, enclosed yard.
Cole reportedly behaved well in prison. He passed time reading and writing letters. Guards described him as polite and cooperative. Cole maintained contact with a few pen pals but had no visitors.
Legal Appeals and Responses
Cole initially waived his right to appeal. He stated he deserved execution for his crimes. Some anti-death penalty groups tried to intervene. They filed appeals on Cole's behalf without his consent.
The Nevada Supreme Court reviewed Cole's case. They upheld his death sentence in 1984. Cole refused further appeals. He expressed a desire to accept responsibility for his actions.
Final Moments and Execution
On December 6, 1985, Cole was transferred to the death chamber. He declined a special last meal. Cole made no final statement. The execution proceeded at 2:10 AM local time.
Prison officials administered a lethal combination of drugs intravenously. Cole was pronounced dead at 2:34 AM. He became the first person executed in Nevada since 1979.
Witnesses reported the execution went smoothly. There were no complications or signs of suffering. Cole's body was released to the state for burial.
Cultural and Legal Impact
Carroll Edward Cole's crimes and execution sparked intense debate about capital punishment and criminal justice reform. His case highlighted flaws in the system and raised questions about rehabilitation versus punishment for violent offenders.
Public Perception and Media
Cole's crimes shocked the public and garnered significant media attention. News outlets portrayed him as a callous killer, emphasizing his lack of remorse. True crime books and documentaries explored his troubled past and motives. The media coverage fueled public fear about serial killers and raised awareness of domestic violence issues. Cole's case became a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of childhood abuse and untreated mental illness.
Death Penalty Debate
Cole's execution reignited the death penalty debate. Supporters argued it brought justice and closure to victims' families. Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union, cited Cole's traumatic upbringing and possible mental illness as mitigating factors. His "death wish" and refusal to appeal raised ethical questions about voluntary executions. The case highlighted the complex moral and legal issues surrounding capital punishment for severely mentally ill offenders.
Influence on Criminal System Work
Cole's ability to commit murders across multiple states exposed weaknesses in law enforcement communication and record-keeping. His case led to improved information sharing between jurisdictions. It also prompted discussions about early intervention for at-risk youth and better support for domestic violence victims. Mental health professionals advocated for increased funding and research into treating violent offenders. Cole's crimes underscored the need for more comprehensive approaches to preventing and addressing serial killings.
Reflections and Analysis
Carroll Edward Cole's case provides chilling insights into the mind and methods of a prolific serial killer. His psychological makeup, victim selection, and enduring impact offer a disturbing glimpse into a dark chapter of criminal history.
Psychological Profile
Cole exhibited traits common to many serial killers. He suffered from severe childhood trauma and abuse, which likely contributed to his violent tendencies. Cole's mother forced him to wear girls' clothing as punishment, potentially fueling his hatred towards women. He displayed antisocial personality disorder and psychopathic traits, lacking empathy and remorse for his crimes.
Cole's alcoholism played a significant role in his violent behavior. He often targeted women in bars, using alcohol to lower his inhibitions before committing murder. His cannibalistic tendencies further highlighted the extreme nature of his psychological disturbance.
Modus Operandi and Victim Selection
Cole primarily targeted women he met in bars, earning him the moniker "Barfly Strangler." His preferred method of killing was strangulation, which allowed for a sense of control and intimacy with his victims. Cole's victim selection was not random; he sought out women who reminded him of his mother or ex-wife.
His criminal history revealed a pattern of escalating violence. Cole's early crimes included assault and attempted murder before progressing to serial killings. He often confessed to his crimes, even taunting authorities with details of undiscovered murders.
Posthumous View on Cole's Life
After his execution, Cole's case continued to fascinate criminologists and psychologists. His troubled upbringing and descent into serial murder serve as a stark example of how childhood trauma can contribute to violent criminal behavior. Cole's willingness to face execution rather than appeal his sentence remains a subject of debate among legal experts and ethicists.
His crimes left a lasting impact on the families of his victims and the communities where he operated. Cole's case also highlighted the importance of inter-jurisdictional cooperation in tracking and apprehending serial killers who cross state lines.
