Newnan, GA – A 55-year-old Georgia woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of her husband following a disagreement about their open marriage. Cheryl Coe was convicted of murder and aggravated assault in the death of 48-year-old Luther “Luke” Coe III, according to Newnan Times-Herald courtroom reporting.
Shooting Occurred at Home in Coweta County
The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office responded around 7:30 p.m. on June 23, 2021, to the Coe home on Tommy Lee Cook Road in Newnan, after Coe called 911, claiming she shot her husband thinking he was an intruder.
Investigators later determined that the victim suffered a contact gunshot wound, contradicting Coe’s claim that she fired from a distance. Coweta County Sheriff’s Office reports show this proved the shot was fired while the gun was held to Luther Coe’s body.
Conflicting Accounts of Self-Defense
Coe initially claimed she didn’t realize she shot her husband and that the incident was accidental. She later stated she fired a warning shot intended to scare him away before pulling the trigger a second time.
Prosecutor Laura Lukert, in closing arguments, highlighted her conflicting narratives, saying, “She brought a gun to a verbal spat.”
Investigators noted that her story was inconsistent with physical evidence, as the gunshot was contact-range, contradicting her claim of self-defense from a distance.
Marriage Disputes and Open Relationship
Court records revealed a series of text messages showing tension in the Coes’ marriage over their open relationship. Cheryl Coe had requested permission to see another man, which angered Luther Coe, escalating conflicts in the days leading up to the shooting.
Newnan Times-Herald reported that the victim became upset when he learned Cheryl had discussed their issues with a friend, further inflaming tensions.
Victim Background and Family Statement
Luther Coe, a U.S. Army veteran, also owned a demolition and road grading company. His family and friends described him as dedicated to his work and community. Coe’s self-defense claims were rejected during the trial, and the jury found Cheryl Coe guilty of murder and aggravated assault, leading to her life sentence without parole.
What are your thoughts on the life sentence in cases involving domestic disputes? Share your opinion in the comments below.
