Providence man gets consecutive life sentences for murdering girlfriend in 2022

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) —  A Providence man will serve two consecutive life sentences for murdering his girlfriend and hiding her body in a refrigerator in 2022.

A jury found 54-year-old Nathan Cooper guilty of second degree murder and other charges in the death of his girlfriend, 40-year-old Sherbert Maddox.

On March 22, 2022, Maddox’s family flagged down officers to an apartment on Parkis Avenue where they said they were afraid she was dead.

A body was found inside a Parkis Avenue home in Providence, Tuesday, March 22, 2022. (WLNE)

Investigators said they found Maddox’s body wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap and bedding in a fridge that had been moved from the kitchen to a bedroom and tied shut.

Upon further investigation, officials learned Maddox died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

A revolved and a shotgun were later recovered from the apartment.

Officials believe Maddox’s body was in the apartment for at least two days before she was found.