On the evening of January 16, 2019, a domestic argument in a Covington, Georgia home on Usher Street escalated into a tragic outburst of violence. The dispute involved 37-year-old Cedrick Cook and his 41-year-old wife, Tijuana Cook. During the altercation, Tijuana was on the phone with her mother, who overheard the unfolding horror. Cedrick Cook grabbed an automatic rifle and shot his wife multiple times. After killing her, he reportedly picked up the phone and told his mother-in-law what he had done.
Shortly after, 23-year-old Michelle Olivia Dickerson, Tijuana's daughter, arrived at the residence after being alerted by family members about a possible argument. She was driven to the house by her boyfriend, Theodore Betton, and a friend. As she entered the home, she was met by her stepfather, who then shot her multiple times with the same AR-15. Cook then opened fire on Betton and his friend as they fled, striking Betton in the abdomen and arm. He survived his injuries. Investigators later found more than 50 bullet casings inside and around the home.
After the shootings, Cedrick Cook fled into a wooded area near the house. As police were investigating the scene, he emerged from the woods and surrendered, confessing to his involvement in the incident. He was taken into custody and charged with two counts of malice murder, among other charges. It was later revealed that Cook had an extensive criminal record, having been booked into the local jail 12 times since 1998 and having previously served prison time.
In September 2019, Cedrick Cook pleaded guilty to two counts of malice murder, three counts of felony murder, four counts of aggravated assault, and multiple firearms charges. He was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional five years for the gun charges.
