A Pennsylvania man, Dakota Greeley, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend and her unborn child. Greeley, 23, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and murder of an unborn child in connection with the brutal crime. The judge’s decision on July 18 by Jefferson County Court of Common Pleas President Judge John H. Foradora confirms that Greeley will spend the rest of his life behind bars, with no chance for early release.
The Crime and Greeley’s Admission
The crime took place in November 2023, when Greeley shot his 25-year-old girlfriend, Trisha Renee Cole, in the head with a 30/30 long rifle. He then callously ran over her body with his pickup truck. Greeley, who had recently learned of Cole’s pregnancy, had expressed anger and frustration about the situation in the days leading up to the murder. Witnesses reported that Greeley had made violent and disturbing comments, including expressing a desire to “kick and beat the child out of the victim.” At one point, he even asked, “Can we kill it now?” referring to the unborn child.
Greeley’s rage appeared to stem from his belief that the pregnancy had “ruined his life.” These statements were made in the weeks before he ultimately killed Cole, an act that left the victim’s body hidden for over a month as Greeley tried to escape justice.
Investigation and Arrest
After Cole’s death on November 9, 2023, her body was not discovered immediately. It wasn’t until December 2023 that Greeley was arrested following a family member’s call to law enforcement. The family member reported that Greeley was suicidal and attempting to provoke a suicide-by-cop situation. On the day of his arrest, Greeley fired two rounds at police officers before fleeing in his Ford truck. He crashed into a wooded area nearby and was apprehended after attempting to flee on foot.
Once in custody, Greeley admitted to the murder in an interview with law enforcement, casually saying, “I f–ing shot her.” When asked about the location of the murder weapon, he reportedly laughed and replied, “It was in my hand.” His cold demeanor and admissions made clear his guilt.
Medical Findings and Cole’s Legacy
After Greeley’s arrest, authorities discovered Cole’s body about 76 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, near Coyote Drive in Corsica. Medical examiners confirmed that Cole was carrying a viable fetus, which was also tragically killed in the attack. Cole’s obituary paints a picture of a kind-hearted woman with a love for animals and a protective nature toward her friends. She was also described as a supportive and forgiving individual who had big dreams for the future, including the upcoming birth of her child.
Trisha’s favorite place in the world was the Edgewood Family Fun Center skating rink, where she shared a special bond with the owner, Joe Pearce, who was like a second father to her. She had begun preparing for the arrival of her baby, even searching for names for the unborn child.
Sentencing and Legal Details
In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors dropped several additional charges against Greeley, including criminal homicide, criminal homicide of an unborn child, third-degree murder, and others related to the abuse of a corpse. Despite the plea deal, Greeley still faced the harshest sentence possible under Pennsylvania law.
In his statement, Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box expressed his sorrow for the community and reiterated the commitment to justice in the case. “We are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served,” he said, thanking law enforcement for their quick and coordinated response.
Dakota Greeley will spend the rest of his life in prison for the brutal murder of Trisha Renee Cole and her unborn child. His actions have left a community in mourning, as those who knew Cole remember her as a compassionate and loving person. The case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the profound impact of violence and the importance of justice for the victims.
