FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marsha L. Cascio-Hale, Jackson County State’s Attorney
Thursday, February 20, 2025
TIMOTHY GASSEL SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS IN IDOC
Marsha L. Cascio-Hale, Jackson County State’s Attorney, announced today that Timothy Gassel, 33, of Murphysboro, was sentenced by a Jackson County Judge to 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Gassel pleaded guilty to the first-degree murder of Autumn Cole in October of 2024, and sentencing occurred on February 13, 2024.
On May 25, 2024, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call that a woman had been shot. The caller reported the suspect as Timothy Gassel had been arguing with Cole, and the caller’s husband had witnessed the shooting. The witness revealed that Gassel and Cole had been arguing about items from the car when Gassel was seen holding a gun in his hand before shooting Cole. Gassel fled the scene but was arrested within minutes by Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies.
Gassel was then taken into custody by Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputies and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of Autumn Cole.
“The experience and dedication of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office to this investigation allowed for the swift apprehension and prosecution of Gassel, and for justice to be rendered for the victim and her family,” stated Jackson County State’s Attorney Marsha L. Cascio-Hale.
A sentencing hearing was held on February 13, 2025, where arguments were made by Jackson County Assistant State’s Attorney Sophia Allen. The Judge ultimately sentenced Gassel to a total of 45 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, where he will serve 100% of the sentence. The investigation was led by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
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