GRAINGER COUNTY, Tenn. — Nearly 17 years after a violent attack that left a woman and her children fighting for their lives, Emmley Cole continues her fight to keep her ex-husband, William Crawford Jr., behind bars. Crawford, who is currently serving a 46-year sentence at the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center, was convicted for shooting, stabbing, and biting Cole, their two children, and Cole’s in-laws in 2008.
Cole, who was brutally attacked by her ex-husband, is outspoken about the fear and trauma that still haunt her every day. Crawford is scheduled for his fourth parole hearing this week, and Cole, who survived the horrific assault, is fighting to ensure he remains incarcerated for the safety of her family and others.
“It is not safe to let him out into society,” Cole said in an interview, describing her ongoing concern that Crawford could harm her and others again if granted parole. “It’s like reliving everything all over again. Nobody looks forward to going to these hearings, but we know there’s a real risk if he ever gets out.”
The violent incident occurred on April 26, 2008, just days after Cole filed for divorce and obtained an order of protection against Crawford. Crawford, enraged by the separation, broke into Cole’s parents’ house, shooting through the patio doors at his ex-wife and her family. Crawford then jumped through the broken doors and continued his attack, shooting at Cole across the living room.
When Cole’s 15-year-old son, Austin, attempted to intervene, Crawford stabbed him below the heart, puncturing his lung. Austin managed to escape to call for help, but Crawford didn’t stop there. He also attacked Cole’s 13-year-old daughter as she tried to help. In the chaos, Cole, who was trying to load a gun for defense, was stabbed in the leg. Crawford eventually fled the scene, leading to a four-day manhunt before he was captured in a wooded area near his home.
Despite the physical and emotional scars left by the attack, Cole has found strength in advocating for victims of domestic violence. As Crawford’s parole hearing approaches, she is once again forced to relive the trauma of that day. “The torment of thinking I have to live this all over again is overwhelming,” she said. “When we see him, it’s not a pleasant experience.”
Through it all, Cole has become a passionate advocate for domestic violence and child abuse victims, stressing the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse and providing more resources for victims in local communities.
“I thank God for my strength,” she said. “I want to speak out for domestic violence and child abuse. I wish there were more ways we could help our local areas to see the signs and help people before it’s too late.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching effects of domestic violence. While Cole hopes for justice and safety, she is also determined to raise awareness about the critical need for community support systems to assist victims.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by texting ‘BEGIN’ to 88788.
As Cole continues to navigate the emotional and legal battle surrounding her ex-husband’s parole, her story underscores the lasting effects of abuse and the vital importance of supporting survivors and preventing future violence.
