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Man Charged After Girlfriend's Fatal Stair Fall
26 Jun
Summary
- Man charged with murder after girlfriend's death.
- He claimed she fell down stairs; autopsy says homicide.
- Suspect has alleged history of violence against women.
A Connecticut man, Cole Theodore Werhan, 28, is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of Janina Brooke Murphy, 26, on March 29. Werhan had informed his father and responding officers that Murphy had fallen down the stairs. However, an autopsy later concluded that Murphy's death was a homicide, caused by blunt force trauma to her head.
During the initial police response on the night of the incident, officers observed blood-like substances on Werhan's clothing and face. Inside his residence, further evidence, including a smashed phone belonging to Murphy and blood-like stains throughout the home, was discovered.
Werhan reportedly told investigators that he and Murphy had been drinking and smoking marijuana on the day of the incident. He alleged that Murphy became enraged after checking his phone, leading her to hit her head against a wall and then fall down the stairs.
Subsequent investigations revealed Werhan's alleged pattern of domestic violence. Several women have reportedly accused him of assault and threats, with multiple assault and restraint cases currently pending legal proceedings. He is being held on a $5 million bond.
