WEST CHESTER, PA — A resident of Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 43-year-old Marcus Cole, was convicted by a Chester County jury on Friday, July 21, 2023, of multiple felonies including aggravated assault, strangulation, kidnapping, burglary and other offenses for strangling a victim with an instrument of crime in August 2022. On July 17, 2023, the defendant also pled guilty to felony aggravated assault and strangulation involving a different victim for a case in July 2020. He will be sentenced on both cases at a later date.
“It is very hard to know what happens behind closed doors, and for many domestic violence survivors, it is even harder to face their attackers. The defendant placed these women in extreme danger. He beat them, strangled them, and caused them to fear for their lives,” said Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan. “This is a horrific pattern of violence that will never be condoned. These two women had the courage and fortitude to come forward. We thank the City of Coatesville Police Department and everyone involved for their efforts to ensure justice and the safety of the community.”
The information presented in court showed that on August 20, 2022, a victim reported to police that the defendant assaulted her after he forced entry into her home on the 400 Block of Victoria Drive on August 15, 2022. She stated that the assaults lasted into the early morning hours of August 16, 2022, and that he ripped her dress, took her belt and strangled her around the neck with it. She said he also choked her with his hand. The defendant prevented her from leaving the residence during the assault. Police observed injuries on her neck.
The defendant pled guilty for another case that occurred on July 13, 2020, in West Whiteland Township. Police were dispatched to Bryn Mawr Hospital for a report of a woman who sustained a fractured jaw. The victim stated that she was assaulted by Marcus Cole earlier that day in her residence. She said he approached her from behind, grabbed her hair, and lifted her off the floor. He then jammed his whole hand into her mouth. The victim believed the defendant was trying to kill her. The defendant then wrapped a towel tightly around her neck to the point where she could not breathe and threw her down the steps into the garage.
Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan commended the City of Coatesville Police Department, West Whiteland Township Police Department, and Chester County Detectives for the investigation which led to the successful prosecution of Marcus Cole. Deputy DA Bonnie Cox-Shaw and ADA Nicole Morley are the assigned prosecutors.
If you feel unsafe around someone you love, contact the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County’s 24/7 hotline at 888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
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