Man Who Claims Girlfriend Died After She Threw Herself Down Stairs Allegedly Strangled, Threatened Other Women

A 28-year-old man from Burlington, Connecticut, has been charged with murder following the tragic death of his girlfriend, Janina Brooke Murphy, who was 26. The case has also brought to light a disturbing pattern of alleged domestic violence against women, with accusations spanning several years.

Cole Werhan was arrested on June 23 on a warrant related to Murphy’s death, which occurred on March 29. According to reports from Connecticut State Police, Werhan claimed that Murphy fell down the stairs after having a violent outburst, triggered by discovering text messages he had sent to other women. However, police have raised concerns over his storytelling and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Murphy was found in the couple’s home, lying on the floor with visible signs of trauma. Police were alerted when Werhan’s father, believing there was an emergency, called 911 after his son supposedly indicated that a woman had fallen and might require urgent medical care. When officers arrived, they noted that Werhan had a “blood-like substance” on his clothing, and Murphy was pronounced dead shortly after their arrival.

In the days following her death, investigators conducted a thorough search of the home and discovered several bloodstains in multiple areas, as well as Murphy’s phone, which had been damaged. An autopsy later concluded that her death was a homicide resulting from blunt force trauma to the head.

During questioning, Werhan acknowledged that he and Murphy had consumed alcohol and marijuana that day. His account suggested that after Murphy discovered messages from other women, she became enraged and subsequently injured herself by forcefully hitting her head against a wall and throwing herself down the stairs—a claim that has raised alarm among detectives considering the evidence.

The police have documented Werhan’s previous history of violence and abuse towards women he met through dating apps. Allegations include instances of assault and threats against women between 2017 and 2026. One woman claimed that after moving in with him, she suffered physical abuse, while another alleged that he confined her against her will and assaulted her. The outcomes of these cases remain unclear, but the troubling pattern of behaviour has prompted serious scrutiny from authorities.

In further allegations, one woman recounted that Werhan had threatened her life during their relationship, while another cited an incident where he held a knife to her throat. The serious nature of these claims has resulted in multiple ongoing legal proceedings against him.

Werhan is currently detained on a $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court shortly. His legal representation has not commented on the matter.

As investigations continue, the case has raised critical discussions about domestic violence and the system’s response to patterns of abusive behaviour. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is offering support to anyone affected by similar issues, available 24/7 and providing confidential assistance.

This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise in volatile relationships and the urgency with which communities must address domestic violence. Efforts to support victims and hold abusers accountable are essential in ensuring safety and justice for those affected.