VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – A jury is set to deliberate in the Cola Beale IV double murder trial after two days of testimony. The Commonwealth rested after 15 witnesses testified about a series of violent crimes that occurred in late March 2022. Beale faces charges of aggravated murder, animal cruelty causing death, arson, and gun charges. Aggravated murder carries a potential sentence of life in prison without parole.
Beale admitted to killing his girlfriend, Czavi’er Hill, and his father figure, Clifton Baxter, in Virginia Beach before traveling to Norfolk and killing his cousin. He was ultimately arrested in Hampton. According to Beale, he killed Hill and Baxter because he was frustrated with his probation status and sex offender registry. He also blamed Hill’s mother for questioning their relationship and Baxter for refusing to give him money.
During the trial, the jury heard graphic details of the crimes. The firefighters who responded to Hill’s burning home discovered her charred body and the body of her dog, Prince. Investigators determined that the fire was started with gasoline, and Hill’s car was intentionally set on fire nearby. Hill’s parents and church family were seen praying in the courthouse hallway after witnessing the disturbing evidence.
Clifton Baxter, a 73-year-old Vietnam veteran, was killed in his home. Medical examiner Dr. Wendy Gunther confirmed that Baxter was shot in the head at close range. Beale’s mail was found at Baxter’s house, and his arrest in Hampton led to the recovery of the gun used to kill Baxter, along with other weapons and ammunition.
Beale’s defense attorney, Trevor Robinson, announced that his client would not take the stand. Robinson argued that Beale should face a lesser charge due to stress related to his sex offender status and probation, but the judge denied the request.
The jury will begin deliberations on Wednesday morning to determine the verdict in the case.