The Cola Beale IV Jury Trial Comes to a Close as Commonwealth and Defense Rest their Cases

The Cola Beale IV double murder trial in Virginia Beach involved testimony from 15 witnesses detailing a series of violent crimes at the end of March 2022. Beale is facing two counts of aggravated murder, torturing an animal causing death, arson, and gun charges, with the possibility of a life sentence without parole. Beale admitted to killing his girlfriend Czavi’er Hill and father figure Clifton Baxter before traveling to Norfolk to kill his cousin. He blamed his actions on being upset about his probation status and sex offender registry, reaching a breaking point after an argument with Hill and Baxter’s refusal to give him money.

The trial revealed the violent nature of the crimes, with evidence showing that Hill and her dog were found burned alive in her bedroom after a fire was intentionally started with gasoline. Hill’s car was also set on fire down the street from her home. Baxter, a Vietnam veteran battling prostate cancer, was found shot in the head at close range in his home. Beale’s mail was found at Baxter’s house, and the gun used to kill him was discovered in Beale’s possession upon his arrest in Hampton.

Hill’s parents and church family were seen praying in the courthouse hallway after hours of testimony and evidence presentation. Beale’s mother, who had a relationship with Baxter, called the police for a welfare check on him, leading to the discovery of his body. The jury saw photos of Baxter’s body with an injury to his eye, confirming his cause of death as a gunshot wound. Beale chose not to take the stand in his defense, and his attorney requested a lesser charge due to stress about his probation status, which was denied by the judge.

The trial painted a picture of Beale as a violent individual who acted out due to personal issues regarding his probation and sex offender status, ultimately leading to the deaths of Hill and Baxter. The jury was tasked with deliberating on the charges of aggravated murder, torturing an animal causing death, arson, and gun charges. Beale’s admission to the crimes and the evidence presented during the trial left little doubt about his involvement in the murders, with the possibility of a life sentence without parole looming over him. The jury’s decision would determine the outcome of the case and provide justice for the victims and their families.