Gilbert man sentenced to life for squeezing son, 2, to death
A Gilbert man was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday in Maricopa County Superior Court for squeezing his 2-year-old son to death in October 2011.
Jonathan Ray Cole, 28, pleaded guilty in March to the first-degree murder of his son, Alexzander. He begged his family and his deceased son for forgiveness as he spoke to the judge Wednesday.
“To Alex: Dad is so sorry for what he did to you,” Cole said. “I loved you from the minute you were put in my hands and throughout the two and a half years I got to spend with you.”
Cole first told police that Alexzander had stopped breathing while sleeping, telling a 911 operator, “I put him down for a nap.”
In an interview with police after his son was pronounced dead, Cole asked if a stuffed animal could suffocate a baby but quickly broke down and told police he wanted to be taken to jail, according to court records.
“Alex’s back was to Jonathan’s chest and Jonathan squeezed Alexzander until he stopped breathing,” the report said. “He stated that he did this out of frustration and because he was angry with his wife.”
Cole’s wife was not present in the Phoenix courtroom Wednesday.
The report quoted Cole as saying the boy struggled “five or six times to get free but he continued squeezing harder until he stopped breathing. He stated as he was squeezing he was continually thinking (about) things his wife had done to him in the past and was frustrated that Alex would not go to sleep.”
The little boy’s body showed signs of hemorrhaging around the eyes, neck and upper chest, according to court records.
Cole called 911 an hour and a half after his son stopped breathing, according to court records.
Cole’s attorney, Quinn Jolly, said in court Wednesday that her client had been a “model inmate,” and said although he had a “dysfunctional family,” it was amazing that Cole was able to control himself growing up.
Deputy County Attorney Stephanie Low said that the agreement to sentence Cole to life in prison was in the interest of justice because of the “horrific” way the child died.
Cole sobbed and told the court that he wanted forgiveness from his wife and his family.
“I am truly sorry for taking Alex from you,” Cole said. “I am so sorry.”
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Roland Steinle sentenced Cole to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 35 years.