The Plymouth man accused of beating a Knox man to death in October is now facing murder charges.
36 year old Jason Cooke of Plymouth, is accused of assaulting Sescoe Wireman of Knox at a home in the 100 block of East 500 South on October 7th. He was initially charged with robbery resulting in serious bodily injury as a level 2 felony and aggravated battery resulting in serious bodily injury.
Starke County Prosecutor Nicholas Bourff has upgraded those charges to murder in the perpetrating of a robbery along with robbery as a level 2 felony and aggravated battery as a level 3 felony. The probable cause affidavit indicates Cooke is accused of striking Wireman in the head and taking money, prescription medication, an Indiana ID card, multiple credit cards and money. The multiple blows initially caused a stroke which lead to his death, according to the court documents.
Wireman was brought to the IU Health Starke Hospital emergency room by private vehicle after the assault. The person who dropped him off told the staff a fight had taken place, and they notified the sheriff’s office. Detectives went to the residence and saw enough evidence in the driveway to obtain a search warrant, according to the initial incident report. They were assisted by Indiana State Police crime scene technicians.
The following day they got a lead on a suspect reported to be staying at the Red Rock Inn in Plymouth and went there with local police to question him. He reportedly agreed to a search of his room, which turned up evidence officers say is connected to Wireman’s beating. Cooke was arrested October 9th and remains in the Starke County Jail.
Listeners and readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
