Cook Sentenced to Life for Wife’s Murder
On January 15, 2010, Ronnie Cook, 63, from Palestine, plead guilty to murdering his wife of 43 years, Frances Darlene Cook, and guilty to four counts of attempted capital murder before District Judge Mark Calhoon in Anderson County District Court. Each count was a 1st degree felony, which carries a sentence of five years to life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Cook accepted the maximum punishment.
On May 13, 2009, the defendant shot and killed Mrs. Cook, with a .22 caliber handgun following an argument in their home in Palestine, Texas. Supposedly, the defendant was jealous of his wife's internet activities.
The defendant called his neighbor, Barry Murray, to explain what had happened, and Mr. Murray called police.
Palestine Police Officers Michael Gray and Gabriel Green were the first to arrive on location. The defendant fired shots at the officers from inside the residence. This began a three hour standoff between the defendant and law enforcement including officers Cathy Weber and Tommy Thacker, who later joined Gray and Green at the scene. The standoff ended with the defendant's voluntary surrender.
Several of the victim's family members witnessed the defendant's plea and were satisfied with his sentence.
Assistant District Attorney Scott Holden represented the state and local attorney Bill House represented the defendant.
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The Palestine Herald Press has posted an additional article at http://www.palestineherald.com/local/local_story_016201435.html