Strangulation Of A Woman Results In Conviction For Coatesville Man

WEST CHESTER, PA — A 33-year-old man was convicted by a jury in the Chester County Justice Center of strangling a woman with a belt in August 2022 in Coatesville.

Marcus Cole of Coatesville also pleaded guilty to strangling another woman in July 2020 in West Whiteland Township.

Cole is in Chester County Prison awaiting sentencing by Judge Lou Mincarelli on both cases.

Chester County District Attorney Deb Ryan said Cole beat and strangled the women, causing them both to fear for their lives.

Ryan said it’s hard to know what happens behind closed doors for domestic violence survivors and even harder to face attackers.

“The defendant placed these women in extreme danger,” she said. “These two women had the courage and fortitude to come forward.”

The cases

On Friday, July 21, Cole was convicted by a jury of strangulation, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and related charges.

A victim said Cole forced a woman into her home in the 400 block of Victoria Drive, Coatesville, on Aug. 15, 2022, ripped her dress off, and strangled her around the neck with a belt. Police said they observed injuries on her neck.

On Monday, July 17, Cole pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and strangulation involving another woman in West Whiteland Township on July 13, 2020.

West Whiteland police said a woman reported that Cole grabbed her hair, lifted her off the floor, and jammed his hand in her mouth. She said he wrapped a towel around her neck and threw her down the stairs.

Police said they spoke to the woman victim about the assault while she was in Bryn Mawr Hospital being treated for injuries. The victim believed that Cole was going to kill her, police said.

Anyone who feels unsafe around loved ones can contact the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County's 24/7 hotline at 888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.