Podcast Summary: "Death in the Dorms Season 2: Episode 6: Latasha Norman"
Introduction
In the sixth and final episode of Season 2 of ABC News' "20/20," titled "Death in the Dorms: Latasha Norman," listeners are presented with the harrowing true story of Latasha Norman, a promising accounting student from Jackson State University (JSU) who mysteriously disappeared after class one afternoon. This comprehensive episode delves into Latasha's life, her relationships, the subsequent investigation into her disappearance, and the impact her tragic fate had on her family and community.
Latasha Norman: Early Life and Education
Latasha Norman was born on April 21, 1987, in Greenville, Mississippi. Described by her family as a beacon of light with an unwavering smile, Latasha was deeply admired for her caring nature and academic excellence. Her father, Danny Bolden, referred to her as his daughter despite being her stepfather, highlighting the close-knit family dynamic.
Family Member 1 [03:09]: "Natasha Norman is my stepdaughter, but I consider her as my daughter because I raised her from a child."
Latasha's academic journey was marked by determination and resilience. Initially aspiring to be a teacher, she later shifted her focus to accounting, inspired by her friend Keisha's footsteps. Her commitment to education was evident as she consistently appeared on the dean's list at JSU.
Relationships and Personal Life
Latasha's personal life played a significant role in the unfolding of her tragic story. During her senior year in high school, she dated Stanley Cole, an older individual who later became an ex-boyfriend. Their relationship was tumultuous, involving instances of domestic violence.
Family Member 3 [30:15]: "When Latasha was dating Stanley, she told me that he had slapped her. I had gone through domestic violence. So I told Latasha, I said, because what happened with me, I'm just gonna let you know, if he did it once, he would do it again."
After parting ways with Stanley, Latasha began dating Marquise Smith, who appeared supportive and attentive. Friends and family noted that at this stage, Latasha seemed genuinely happy and focused on her future plans, including opening an accounting firm with her friend Keisha post-graduation.
The Disappearance
On November 14, 2007, Latasha Norman vanished from the JSU campus. She was last seen leaving a class around 2:00 PM, never returning to her dorm or making it to her car. The day after, her family received a distressing call from her new boyfriend, Marquise, indicating that her car was still on campus, and she was missing.
Family Member 1 [14:07]: "I get to Grandma's house and Kisha was saying, Tasha's missing."
Despite immediate and extensive search efforts by her family and JSU authorities, Latasha's whereabouts remained unknown for several days, heightening fears and suspicions.
Investigation and FBI Involvement
As local police investigations yielded minimal evidence, the FBI stepped in to assist. Initial clues were sparse, with Latasha's car found intact on campus, indicating she had not left in it. However, a breakthrough occurred when a suspicious car was reported by an AT&T Mobile car dealer investigating a 1998 Dodge Neon with blood evidence in the trunk.
Investigator [35:08]: "We checked the tag in the van and found that it belonged to a young lady that we found to be Stanley Cole's girlfriend, Simone."
Scientific analysis confirmed that the blood in the trunk matched Latasha's DNA, leading investigators to focus on Stanley Cole, her ex-boyfriend. Further interrogation revealed inconsistencies in Stanley's accounts of the events leading to Latasha's disappearance.
Arrest of Stanley Cole
Stanley Cole was formally arrested on November 29, 2007. During his interrogation, his demeanor raised red flags among investigators. His evasive responses and the discovery of his involvement in Latasha's domestic abuse history painted a grim picture.
Investigator [41:16]: "Stanley Cole was arrested on November 29th of 2007."
Under intense scrutiny, Stanley eventually confessed to a violent altercation that culminated in Latasha being confined in the trunk of his car, where she tragically lost her life.
Trial and Verdict
The trial culminated in Stanley Cole being found guilty of murder. The court recognized the severity of his actions, sentencing him to life imprisonment.
Family Member 1 [52:18]: "Stanley would be held accountable for it. It was just a sense of relief."
However, in 2012, the Court of Appeals overturned the conviction, citing concerns over extensive media coverage potentially influencing the jury's impartiality.
Appeal and Retrial
Post the appellate decision, Stanley Cole was offered a retrial. Seeking closure without enduring the emotional toll of another trial, Latasha's family negotiated a plea deal. Stanley accepted a 40-year sentence without the possibility of parole, bringing a semblance of peace to the grieving family.
Family Member 1 [54:34]: "We gonna offer him a 40 year plea. No parole, no provision. And he accepted it."
Aftermath and Legacy
Latasha Norman's untimely death left an indelible mark on her family and the JSU community. In honor of her memory and to address the issues of domestic violence, JSU established the Latasha Norman Counseling Center. The center serves as a beacon of support, offering resources and counseling to those affected by domestic abuse.
Family Member 3 [56:38]: "After her death, they wanted to do a walk in her name, and we've done it for the last 15 years. All the proceeds goes back into the Latasha Norman Center."
Annual walks and memorials keep her legacy alive, ensuring that her story continues to inspire and educate others about the perils of domestic violence and the importance of speaking out.
Family Member 1 [56:01]: "God, want to use Latasha's light to shine the light on teen domestic violence. Domestic violence is nothing new. See, for so long, this is like a taboo in our community. People don't like to talk about it, but we have to talk about it."
Conclusion
"Death in the Dorms: Latasha Norman" is a poignant exploration of a young woman's life cut short by domestic violence and the ensuing quest for justice. Through heartfelt testimonies and thorough investigative reporting, the episode not only chronicles Latasha's tragic demise but also highlights the broader issues of domestic abuse within college communities. Her enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of support systems and the need to confront and eradicate domestic violence.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments within the transcript were omitted to maintain focus on the core narrative.