Emma Grace Cole
Child Murder and Abuse Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Smyrna, Delaware
TIME PERIOD
July – September 2019
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On or about July to September 2019, Emma Grace Cole, a three-year-old girl, was murdered in Smyrna, Delaware, by her mother, Kristie Lynn Haas, and stepfather, Brandon L. Haas. Emma's burnt skeletal remains were discovered near a softball complex on September 13, 2019, and she remained unidentified until October 2020. Following her identification, both Kristie and Brandon were arrested and charged with various offenses, including first-degree murder and child abuse. In May 2023, Kristie pleaded guilty to first-degree murder by abuse or neglect and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while Brandon received a sentence of 4 years and 1 month for endangering the welfare of a child. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the brutality of the crime and perceived leniency in sentencing.
Public speculation revolves around the motives for Kristie Lynn Haas's brutal actions, with some theorizing that underlying mental health issues may have played a role in her decision to murder her daughter. Investigators have also considered the possibility of neglect and abuse being systemic within the household, suggesting that Brandon L. Haas may have been complicit in the environment that led to Emma's death. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion about the adequacy of child protective services in identifying and intervening in situations of potential abuse prior to Emma's murder.
The Tragic Tale of Emma Grace Cole: A Case of Unimaginable Betrayal
In the quiet town of Smyrna, Delaware, a chilling discovery would unravel a story of neglect, deceit, and the heartbreaking betrayal of a child by those meant to protect her. The skeletal remains of young Emma Grace Cole, found near a local softball complex on September 13, 2019, would haunt the community and captivate national attention for months to come. This is the story of Emma's short life and the quest for justice that followed her untimely death.
A Life Cut Short
Emma Grace Cole was born on January 10, 2016, in Bloomington, Indiana. Her life, filled with potential and innocence, would tragically end sometime between July and September 2019, when her mother, Kristie Lynn Haas, inflicted fatal abuse. Emma's remains were discovered nearly a month later, leaving a trail of questions that authorities and the public were desperate to answer.
The Discovery
The gruesome find happened purely by chance. A dog walker stumbled upon the charred skeleton of a young girl near the Smyrna Middle School softball field. Authorities estimated the remains had been there for weeks. The child was initially referred to as "Baby Elle," and despite widespread media coverage, her identity remained a mystery for over a year. Law enforcement and the public alike were captivated by the case of "Jane Smyrna Doe 2019," a name that spoke volumes of the anonymity shrouding her death.
Unraveling the Mystery
In October 2020, the breakthrough came. Emma Grace Cole was identified as the young victim, thanks to the relentless efforts of investigators. Her mother, Kristie Lynn Haas, and stepfather, Brandon L. Haas, were soon arrested in Pennsylvania. The charges against them were grave: child abuse and, later, first-degree murder by abuse or neglect for Kristie.
The Dark Reality
Prosecutor Kevin Smith revealed the horror Emma had endured during her short life. From January 2018 to September 2019, Kristie and Brandon Haas subjected Emma to starvation, torture, and physical abuse. Kristie, in a moment of chilling indifference, reportedly said, "That's it for Emma. Emma's not coming back," after discarding her daughter's clothes. She misled family members with tales of Emma being in a mental health facility, claiming her daughter had "the devil in her eyes."
A Community in Shock
The facts of the case were harrowing. It was revealed that Kristie had tried to revive her unresponsive daughter with a cold shower. When Brandon attempted to call for help, Kristie stopped him. Emma's body was eventually burned and discarded in the bushes. The couple then fled to Indiana, their previous home, before their arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Public Outrage
In May 2021, the legal battle intensified as Kristie and Brandon were re-indicted. Kristie faced charges of first-degree murder by abuse or neglect, while Brandon was charged with multiple counts of endangering a child's welfare. The trial, initially set for July 2023, was delayed as the legal complexities unfolded.
In a surprising turn of events, both Kristie and Brandon accepted plea deals in 2023. Kristie pleaded guilty to first-degree murder by abuse or neglect, abusing a corpse, and child endangerment. Her plea deal recommended a 30-year prison sentence, a decision that appalled Emma's family. The sentence was seen as lenient given the severity of her crimes.
Sentencing and Aftermath
On September 14, 2023, Kristie was sentenced to 30 years in prison. During her sentencing, she expressed remorse and attributed her actions to drug addiction, a defense her attorney, Patrick Collins, reiterated by labeling addiction as the "true monster." Kristie will be eligible for parole in July 2047.
Brandon, initially facing up to 44 years, received a sentence of 4 years and 1 month, a decision that also drew public ire. His plea deal, criticized for its leniency, was initially for probation, but Judge Noel Primos opted for prison time instead. Brandon's apology in court for failing to act after Emma's death did little to assuage the anger of Emma's family.
A Legacy of Sorrow
Emma's story leaves a legacy of sorrow and a reminder of the vulnerability of children. The softball field where her remains were found was renamed Emma Grace Memorial Field in November 2020, a small gesture to honor a life lost too soon. Her father, Joshua Douthitt, voiced the incomprehensible grief felt by many: "I will never comprehend why Emma Grace had to lose her life."
Sources
Emma Grace Cole's tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the dark corners of familial relationships and the critical importance of vigilance and justice in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
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Murder of Emma Grace Cole
Emma Grace Cole is murdered by her mother Kristie Haas.
Discovery of Remains
Burnt skeletal remains of Emma are found near a softball complex.
Arrests Made
Kristie and Brandon Haas are arrested in connection with Emma's death.
Murder Charges Filed
Kristie Haas is re-indicted with first-degree murder charges.
Plea Deal for Kristie
Kristie Haas pleads guilty to first-degree murder and other charges.
Brandon's Plea Deal
Brandon Haas pleads guilty to child endangerment charges.
Sentencing of Kristie
Kristie Haas is sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder.
Sentencing of Brandon
Brandon Haas is sentenced to 4 years and 1 month in prison.
On or about July to September 2019, Emma Grace Cole, a three-year-old girl, was murdered in Smyrna, Delaware, by her mother, Kristie Lynn Haas, and stepfather, Brandon L. Haas. Emma's burnt skeletal remains were discovered near a softball complex on September 13, 2019, and she remained unidentified until October 2020. Following her identification, both Kristie and Brandon were arrested and charged with various offenses, including first-degree murder and child abuse. In May 2023, Kristie pleaded guilty to first-degree murder by abuse or neglect and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, while Brandon received a sentence of 4 years and 1 month for endangering the welfare of a child. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the brutality of the crime and perceived leniency in sentencing.
Public speculation revolves around the motives for Kristie Lynn Haas's brutal actions, with some theorizing that underlying mental health issues may have played a role in her decision to murder her daughter. Investigators have also considered the possibility of neglect and abuse being systemic within the household, suggesting that Brandon L. Haas may have been complicit in the environment that led to Emma's death. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion about the adequacy of child protective services in identifying and intervening in situations of potential abuse prior to Emma's murder.
The Tragic Tale of Emma Grace Cole: A Case of Unimaginable Betrayal
In the quiet town of Smyrna, Delaware, a chilling discovery would unravel a story of neglect, deceit, and the heartbreaking betrayal of a child by those meant to protect her. The skeletal remains of young Emma Grace Cole, found near a local softball complex on September 13, 2019, would haunt the community and captivate national attention for months to come. This is the story of Emma's short life and the quest for justice that followed her untimely death.
A Life Cut Short
Emma Grace Cole was born on January 10, 2016, in Bloomington, Indiana. Her life, filled with potential and innocence, would tragically end sometime between July and September 2019, when her mother, Kristie Lynn Haas, inflicted fatal abuse. Emma's remains were discovered nearly a month later, leaving a trail of questions that authorities and the public were desperate to answer.
The Discovery
The gruesome find happened purely by chance. A dog walker stumbled upon the charred skeleton of a young girl near the Smyrna Middle School softball field. Authorities estimated the remains had been there for weeks. The child was initially referred to as "Baby Elle," and despite widespread media coverage, her identity remained a mystery for over a year. Law enforcement and the public alike were captivated by the case of "Jane Smyrna Doe 2019," a name that spoke volumes of the anonymity shrouding her death.
Unraveling the Mystery
In October 2020, the breakthrough came. Emma Grace Cole was identified as the young victim, thanks to the relentless efforts of investigators. Her mother, Kristie Lynn Haas, and stepfather, Brandon L. Haas, were soon arrested in Pennsylvania. The charges against them were grave: child abuse and, later, first-degree murder by abuse or neglect for Kristie.
The Dark Reality
Prosecutor Kevin Smith revealed the horror Emma had endured during her short life. From January 2018 to September 2019, Kristie and Brandon Haas subjected Emma to starvation, torture, and physical abuse. Kristie, in a moment of chilling indifference, reportedly said, "That's it for Emma. Emma's not coming back," after discarding her daughter's clothes. She misled family members with tales of Emma being in a mental health facility, claiming her daughter had "the devil in her eyes."
A Community in Shock
The facts of the case were harrowing. It was revealed that Kristie had tried to revive her unresponsive daughter with a cold shower. When Brandon attempted to call for help, Kristie stopped him. Emma's body was eventually burned and discarded in the bushes. The couple then fled to Indiana, their previous home, before their arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Public Outrage
In May 2021, the legal battle intensified as Kristie and Brandon were re-indicted. Kristie faced charges of first-degree murder by abuse or neglect, while Brandon was charged with multiple counts of endangering a child's welfare. The trial, initially set for July 2023, was delayed as the legal complexities unfolded.
In a surprising turn of events, both Kristie and Brandon accepted plea deals in 2023. Kristie pleaded guilty to first-degree murder by abuse or neglect, abusing a corpse, and child endangerment. Her plea deal recommended a 30-year prison sentence, a decision that appalled Emma's family. The sentence was seen as lenient given the severity of her crimes.
Sentencing and Aftermath
On September 14, 2023, Kristie was sentenced to 30 years in prison. During her sentencing, she expressed remorse and attributed her actions to drug addiction, a defense her attorney, Patrick Collins, reiterated by labeling addiction as the "true monster." Kristie will be eligible for parole in July 2047.
Brandon, initially facing up to 44 years, received a sentence of 4 years and 1 month, a decision that also drew public ire. His plea deal, criticized for its leniency, was initially for probation, but Judge Noel Primos opted for prison time instead. Brandon's apology in court for failing to act after Emma's death did little to assuage the anger of Emma's family.
A Legacy of Sorrow
Emma's story leaves a legacy of sorrow and a reminder of the vulnerability of children. The softball field where her remains were found was renamed Emma Grace Memorial Field in November 2020, a small gesture to honor a life lost too soon. Her father, Joshua Douthitt, voiced the incomprehensible grief felt by many: "I will never comprehend why Emma Grace had to lose her life."
Sources
Emma Grace Cole's tragic story serves as a stark reminder of the dark corners of familial relationships and the critical importance of vigilance and justice in protecting the most vulnerable among us.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Murder of Emma Grace Cole
Emma Grace Cole is murdered by her mother Kristie Haas.
Discovery of Remains
Burnt skeletal remains of Emma are found near a softball complex.
Arrests Made
Kristie and Brandon Haas are arrested in connection with Emma's death.
Murder Charges Filed
Kristie Haas is re-indicted with first-degree murder charges.
Plea Deal for Kristie
Kristie Haas pleads guilty to first-degree murder and other charges.
Brandon's Plea Deal
Brandon Haas pleads guilty to child endangerment charges.
Sentencing of Kristie
Kristie Haas is sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder.
Sentencing of Brandon
Brandon Haas is sentenced to 4 years and 1 month in prison.