From the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office –
GADSDEN, TN – We want to provide our community with an investigative update in reference to the homicide that occurred yesterday outside of Gadsden, TN.
Ephrim O’Neal Cook (DOB: 8/9/1958), 66 years old, has been charged with first degree murder for the premeditated killing of 47 year old Fredrine Booker (DOB: 2/15/77). Cook will also be charged with possession of a handgun during the commission of a dangerous felony.
Cook has a criminal history and was out on bond for aggravated assault and failure to appear. He will appear before Judge Conley for arraignment and is being held without bond at the Crockett County Jail.
Sheriff Klyce stated, “This is a senseless tragedy that could have easily been prevented. There was a massive response from law enforcement agencies across the county to quickly take control of this situation ensuring the person responsible was immediately taken into custody. Our investigators are hard at work gathering all the evidence related to this crime. I appreciate everything the ambulance service did for Mrs. Booker – unfortunately, the internal trauma was too severe to overcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as well as the friends.”
The Medical Examiner’s Office ordered Mrs. Booker to be sent to Nashville for autopsy. Once again, this is an active and ongoing investigation. If you have any information related to this crime, please call 731-696-2104.
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.
(PHOTO: Ephrim O’Neal Cook)
