Superior Court Judge Charles H. Toliver, IV sentenced James Cooke to death for the May, 2005 rape and murder of University of Delaware student Lindsey Bonistall in her off-campus apartment. This came after the second trial for Cooke.
Following the sentencing, Attorney General Beau Biden made the following statement:
“Nothing changes the fact that Lindsey will not return home with her Mom, Dad, and Sister to Westchester County today, however, the sentence handed down reflects the brutality of her attack and murder. Lindsey’s legacy lives on every day in many ways, including through her sister and baby niece and through the foundation her Mom and Dad established which is dedicated to promoting safe and peaceful living environments in off-campus communities.”
In April, 2012 a News Castle County Jury found Cooke guilty of First Degree Murder, Rape, Burglary, and Arson involving Lindsey’s death, and subsequently recommended by a vote of 11 – 1 that Cooke received a death sentence.
Since their daughter’s death, the Bonstalls have worked to improve the security of student residences.
