Man who killed girlfriend, wrapped her in plastic, and left her body in a fridge sentenced to life

ROVIDENCE, R.I. (TCD) -- A man who was recently found guilty of killing his girlfriend last year and leaving her body in a refrigerator has been sentenced to two life terms in prison.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office announced the news Tuesday, Sept. 26, saying Nathan Cooper will serve two consecutive life sentences as well as two 10-year sentences related to firearm charges for shooting and killing Sherbert "Strawberry" Maddox. The 10-year sentences will run concurrently.

A jury convicted Cooper in May of one count of second-degree murder, one count of discharging a firearm in the commission of a crime resulting in death, and two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Fifty-four-year-old Cooper fatally shot Maddox in the chest on March 16, 2022, inside his apartment. The Providence Journal reports the shooting occurred while Maddox, 40, was taking a shower. After she died, Cooper reportedly used drugs for several days in a row and then had a friend bring over shrink wrap. Cooper encircled her body with the wrap and other bedding, then left her in the fridge with a note saying, "I don’t trust you."

According to the Attorney General’s office, some of Maddox’s relatives flagged down a Providence Police officer on Parkis Avenue — the same street where Cooper lived — and told the policeman Maddox had been killed and her body was in the apartment. Police walked into the unit and located a .38 caliber revolver and a shotgun. The refrigerator had reportedly been relocated from the kitchen to Cooper’s bedroom and closed with a cord.

Police found Maddox’s body once they opened the fridge. The medical examiner conducted an autopsy and determined she died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

According to the Providence Journal, Cooper said at the sentencing hearing, "I did some things wrong that could have probably saved her life. I miss her just like everybody else. I’m sorry to you all."

As Cooper was being escorted out of court, one of Maddox’s relatives reportedly shouted, "We’ll see you in hell."

MORE:

• Providence man sentenced to life in prison for 2022 murder of girlfriend - Rhode Island Attorney General's Office
• 'He took my daughter from me:' Providence man handed double life sentences for killing of girlfriend - Providence Journal
• R.I. man convicted of killing girlfriend, covering body in plastic wrap, and leaving her in fridge, 5/23/2023 - TCD