Michael Cook Sr. found guilty of second-degree murder in wife’s 2019 death John Budenas — WWLP

A Berkshire County jury found Michael Cook Sr. guilty of second-degree murder and multiple other charges on Friday, in connection with the 2019 brutal assault that led to the death of his estranged wife, Charli Cook.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A Berkshire County jury found Michael Cook Sr. guilty of second-degree murder and multiple other charges on Friday, in connection with the 2019 brutal assault that led to the death of his estranged wife, Charli Cook.

Cook was convicted of five charges:

Murder in the Second Degree

Assault with Intent to Murder

Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon Causing Serious Bodily Injury

Assault and Battery on a Family/Household Member

Armed Assault with Intent to Murder

The charges stem from an incident on July 11, 2019, when Michael Cook Sr. broke into Charli Cook’s home and attacked her while she was in bed, striking her in the back of the head with a hammer. Charli sustained severe head trauma, including a traumatic brain injury. Despite receiving medical care, she passed away five months later, with the Medical Examiner ruling her death a direct result of the brain injury caused by the assault.

Cook’s sentencing is scheduled for Thursday, October 10, at Berkshire Superior Court.

In a statement following the verdict, Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue expressed his gratitude to the jury and the prosecution team. “While today’s guilty verdict cannot bring Charli back to her friends and family, I am pleased with the jury’s decision. Charli, along with her friends and family, deserved justice, and today that justice has been served.”

The District Attorney added, “Domestic violence is a devastating reality in the Berkshires. We must work together to proactively prevent domestic violence while also supporting survivors and achieving justice for the abuse they endured.”

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