In the early morning hours of October 11, 2016, the body of 27-year-old Heather Cox was discovered on the side of Briarpatch Cemetery Road in Loranger, Louisiana. Initially, authorities responded to a report of a potential hit-and-run, but upon arrival, they found that Cox had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to her upper torso. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation quickly led law enforcement to a separate incident involving a burned vehicle.
Cox's 2006 Nissan Sentra was found engulfed in flames on Highway 1054 in Independence, just a short time after her body was discovered. This discovery linked the two events and solidified that Cox was the victim of a homicide.
Within a day, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office arrested 30-year-old Brian Gregory Anthony, II, of Albany, in connection with Cox's murder. Investigators stated that Anthony and Cox were arguing over drugs while driving in her friend's car when he allegedly shot her. It is believed he then left her body on the side of the road before taking her money and drugs, and later setting the car on fire.
Authorities revealed that the murder of Heather Cox was part of a 36-hour crime spree committed by Anthony. During this time, he is also accused of shooting and injuring his own brother and being involved in a drive-by shooting in a neighboring parish. According to the sheriff, Anthony confessed to the crimes, which he claimed were fueled by methamphetamine. He was subsequently charged with a litany of offenses, including second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, arson, and auto theft. Two other individuals, Kristy Iverstine and Cole Cleveland, were also arrested and charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly helping Anthony hide.
