Luther Luke Lee Co III was fatally shot by his spouse, Cheryl Howell Co, in Newnan, Georgia, on June 23, 2021. The couple had been married since 2018 and had an open relationship agreement that led to disputes over infidelity and jealousy. The suspect was convicted in 2025 of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault and sentenced to life without parole. The incident involved escalating verbal conflicts, alcohol use, and firearm access. Forensic evidence contradicted the suspect's claim of accidental shooting, confirming the gun was pressed against the victim when fired.
Country: United States
State/Province: Georgia, United States
City/Region: Newnan
Incident Type: Domestic Violence Homicide
Relationship Status: Married
Relationship Duration: Approximately 3 years (marriage)
Incident Date: June 23, 2021
Relationship Origins:
Relationship Stages:
Contributing Factors:
Red Flags:
Motives:
Relationship Outcomes:
How the relationship or connection began.
Approximately 3 years (marriage)
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
2021-06-23
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Jealousy
The couple's open marriage arrangement led to disputes over boundaries and infidelity, which escalated into verbal conflicts and jealousy. Alcohol use and firearm access increased the risk of violence. The suspect's deception about the shooting and forensic evidence indicated a pattern of escalating domestic violence culminating in homicide.
Coweta County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation. Forensic evidence disproved the suspect's claim of accidental shooting. Text messages revealed ongoing marital discord. The suspect was convicted in 2025 and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.
Suspect claimed the shooting was accidental and defensive against an intruder, but forensic evidence contradicted this. The exact duration of the relationship prior to marriage remains unknown.
The suspect returned home from work, consumed alcohol, and went to bed. The victim entered the bedroom later, leading to an argument and gunshots fired at close range. The suspect called 911 at 7:26 p.m. Forensic analysis and text messages confirmed escalating marital conflict and disproved the suspect's version of events.
High risk due to firearm access, alcohol abuse, escalating verbal conflicts, and jealousy within an open marriage context.
Open relationship boundaries can lead to jealousy and conflict. Alcohol abuse and firearm access significantly increase the risk of domestic violence homicide. Forensic evidence and communication records are critical in disproving false claims in domestic violence cases.
Escalating arguments over infidelity and disputed open marriage boundaries, jealousy, and alcohol use.
Text messages revealing marital discord, forensic evidence of gunshot contact wounds, and witness observations of victim's demeanor.
Forensic gunshot analysis, 911 call records, text message communications.
Levi Co reported the victim's unusual demeanor in days before the incident and confirmed the couple's open lifestyle.
No additional follow-up reports available beyond conviction and sentencing.
Exact relationship duration prior to marriage and full details of the open relationship agreement remain unclear.