Connecticut — A Connecticut man accused of murdering a woman he had recently begun dating through the Bumble app is now facing intensified scrutiny after investigators alleged he had a history of abusing other women he met through online dating platforms.
Authorities arrested Cole Werhan, 28, on a murder charge Tuesday in connection with the March death of Janina Brooke Murphy, 26. According to investigators, evidence gathered during the investigation raised serious questions about the explanation Werhan initially gave police.
He remains in custody while multiple criminal cases proceed through the court system.
Investigation Began After 911 Call
According to an arrest warrant, police responded to Werhan’s home on March 29 after he reported that Murphy had fallen down a staircase.
Officers found Murphy inside the residence, where she was later pronounced dead.
Investigators said Werhan told them the couple had argued after Murphy saw messages from another woman on his phone. He claimed Murphy experienced a mental health episode, struck her own head against a wall, and then fell down the stairs.
However, investigators said physical evidence at the home did not fully align with that account.
According to the arrest warrant, officers observed injuries to Werhan’s hand and discovered blood in multiple areas throughout the residence, including the bedroom, bathroom, hallway, staircase, dining room, living room, kitchen, rear entrance, deck, and driveway.
The warrant states that those findings became part of the investigation that ultimately led to the murder charge.
Friends Described Changes Before Her Death
As detectives continued investigating, they interviewed Murphy’s family members and friends.
According to court documents, several people said Murphy’s behavior had changed after moving in with Werhan.
Friends reportedly told investigators she became increasingly isolated from those close to her.
Her mother also told police that Murphy stopped working and rarely responded to calls or text messages.
One friend told investigators Murphy contacted her by FaceTime and allegedly said she had taken several of Werhan’s prescription medications.
Authorities included those interviews as part of the evidence outlined in the arrest warrant.
Police Allege Pattern Involving Other Dating App Relationships
During the investigation, detectives uncovered several previous criminal cases involving women who reportedly met Werhan through Bumble or Hinge.
According to court records, one woman told investigators she feared returning to Werhan because she believed she “would end up dead.”
Another woman alleged she felt trapped inside his home because she feared what might happen if she attempted to leave.
In another previously filed case, investigators alleged Werhan threatened to kill a woman after an argument during their relationship.
Those earlier incidents resulted in separate criminal charges, including allegations of assault, unlawful restraint, threatening, breach of peace, and disorderly conduct.
Authorities noted that those cases remain pending and have not yet been resolved in court.
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Murder Charge Added to Existing Cases
Following the homicide investigation, authorities formally charged Werhan with murder in Murphy’s death.
In addition to the murder case, he continues facing multiple charges connected to the earlier alleged incidents involving other women.
During a recent court appearance, a judge ordered that Werhan remain held on $5 million bond.
Court records show he is scheduled to return to court on June 30.
As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations outlined in the arrest warrant and pending charges have not been proven in court, and Werhan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation into Murphy’s death remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case.
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