In a quiet Midvale, Utah, apartment on the evening of November 25, 2018, the life of 26-year-old Caucasian female Lisa Vilate Williams was cut tragically short. She was with her boyfriend, Travis Cook, and his three-year-old twin children, creating homemade Christmas ornaments and embracing the holiday spirit. The festive atmosphere was shattered when Cook's ex-wife, 32-year-old Chelsea Watrous Cook, arrived unexpectedly under the guise of delivering cold medicine for one of the children.
Despite being asked to leave, Chelsea Cook, a health and yoga teacher at Skyridge High School, refused and locked herself in the bathroom. After a short time, she emerged, walked over to her coat, and pulled out a handgun. In front of the young children, she fired multiple shots at Lisa, who was struck in the torso. Travis Cook managed to disarm his ex-wife and pin her against a wall until police arrived. Lisa Vilate Williams was rushed to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Chelsea Watrous Cook was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with aggravated murder, aggravated burglary, and other offenses. Investigations and statements from Lisa's family revealed a history of harassment and online bullying by Chelsea towards Lisa in the months leading up to the murder. The motive was believed to be jealousy over Lisa's relationship with Travis Cook and his children. The harassment had been a source of concern for Lisa's family, who had worried for her safety.
In February 2020, Chelsea Watrous Cook pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and several other charges as part of a plea agreement that removed the possibility of the death penalty. She was later sentenced to 34 years to life in prison. During the sentencing, Lisa's family remembered her as a kind, sweet, and generous person who brought joy to those around her.
