Burlington, CT Man Charged With Murder in Death of Duxbury MA Woman After Alleged Staircase Incident

Duxbury MA-A Connecticut man is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of a Massachusetts woman whose injuries were initially described as a fall down the stairs.

Authorities say Cole Werhan, 28, of Burlington, Connecticut, was arrested on June 23 and charged with murder in the death of Janina Brooke Murph, 26, of Duxbury, Massachusetts.

According to investigators, Werhan told police that Murphy became upset after discovering messages on his phone and allegedly “threw herself down the stairs” following an argument. He also claimed she had hit her head on a wall before the incident.

However, a medical examiner later ruled Murphy’s death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head.

Police say Werhan called his parents after the incident, who then contacted 911. When officers arrived, they reportedly found him with visible injuries and blood-like stains, while Murphy was found unresponsive inside the home with significant trauma.

Investigators also documented what they described as blood evidence throughout multiple rooms of the residence, along with a damaged phone belonging to the victim.

Authorities further allege Werhan has a history of violent incidents involving women dating back several years, including prior arrests and pending cases involving strangulation, threats, and assault.

He is currently being held on a $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court again next week. His attorney says he intends to fight the charges in court.