In a tragic series of events, 16-year-old Michael Cole Jr. was accidentally shot and killed in Montgomery, Alabama. The teenager had been reported missing by his family on a Friday, initiating a four-day search that ended with the discovery of his body off Selma Highway.
The investigation into his death revealed a grim story. Cole, along with two 18-year-olds, Nicholas King Shepard and Ned Van Jones Jr., and two other individuals, had reportedly gone to a house on Gaston Avenue. Based on statements from the suspects, it is believed they were there to retaliate against someone they thought had stolen guns from one of them. During the act of shooting into the residence on January 25th, Cole was accidentally struck by gunfire.
Following the unintentional shooting, the group allegedly placed Cole's body in a vehicle. In an attempt to conceal the evidence, they drove to a different location where they set the body on fire. Investigators later found the vehicle with missing seat cushions and blood on the seatbelt and floorboard. The severe burns on Cole's body when he was found corroborated this part of the tragic story.
Authorities have since made arrests in the case. Nicholas King Shepard and Ned Van Jones Jr. were the first to be taken into custody and charged with felony murder. Later, an 18-year-old named Jerel Brown was also arrested and charged with felony murder in connection with the teen's death. Both Shepard and Jones have reportedly confessed to their involvement. Jones has been released on bond, while King Shepard remains in custody. The attorneys for the initial two suspects highlighted their lack of prior criminal history during a bail hearing.
