Tasha Narie Cole, a 27-year-old female, passed away on Friday, August 12, 2022, in Jerome, Michigan. Responding to a 911 call around 10 p.m. in Somerset Township, Michigan State Police troopers discovered Cole on the ground with a single gunshot wound. She was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.
The investigation into her death led to the arrest of her neighbor, 27-year-old Jonathan Navarre Ressler. He was subsequently charged with open murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. According to the police investigation, Cole had entered Ressler's home without permission while he and his wife were out shopping. Upon being alerted by a family member, Ressler returned to his residence.
After returning home, Ressler retrieved a firearm from his bedroom and used it to escort Cole off his property.
During this encounter outside the home, Cole reportedly yelled at and threatened Ressler, which ultimately led to the fatal shooting. Neighbors reported that Cole's father and brother lived next door to Ressler.
Jonathan Navarre Ressler was held without bond on the murder charge. In a plea deal, he entered a no-contest plea to a reduced charge of manslaughter. In exchange for his plea, the charges of open murder and felony firearms were dismissed. Ressler was sentenced to serve 57 months to 15 years in prison for the death of Tasha Cole. He was also ordered to pay restitution and was given credit for the 262 days he had already served in jail.
