RI Man Accused Of Killing Girlfriend, Hiding Body In Fridge Indicted

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Providence man accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend before hiding her body in a fridge was indicted Thursday by a Providence County Grand Jury.

Nathan Cooper, 53, was charged with murder, discharging a firearm while committing a crime of violence, two counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a stolen firearm, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, failure to report a death and kidnapping.

Authorities said Cooper shot his girlfriend Sherbert Maddox, 40, while she was in the shower between March 16 and 19.

After she stopped breathing, Cooper wrapped her body in blankets, took the shelves out of the fridge and stuffed Maddox's body inside, according to court documents. Cooper said he never called 911 because he didn't trust the police, authorities said.

Cooper was arrested on March 22 when police went to the apartment to check on Maddox's well-being. Providence police Maj. David Lapatin in a news conference said officers found Maddox's body wrapped in saran wrap and towels inside the fridge.

Cooper was also home, and police questioned him before getting a search warrant and later arresting him, police said. Police said they also found a handgun, which they believe was used in the killing.

Cooper was scheduled to return to court for his arraignment on Friday.