Cousin of accused triple killer appears in court, charged with harboring him

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Elena Cole, accused of harboring her younger cousin Thomas Zollicoffer after he allegedly shot and killed three people last weekend, made her first court appearance Monday, Aug. 17.

Cole faces a charge of harboring or aiding a felon along with three counts of neglecting a child, according to the criminal complaint.

Zollicoffer faces seven felonies, including three counts of first-degree intentional homicide and four counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. He was scheduled to appear in court later Monday.

The complaint alleges Zollicoffer, the former live-in boyfriend of 26-year-old Vanessa DeHerrera, shot and killed DeHerrera and 29-year-old Scott Bucholz near 21st and Pierce Saturday, Aug. 8. About 30 minutes later, the complaint states Zollicoffer fatally shot 39-year-old Shamarla "Asir" Hare, the parent of one of his children.

According to the complaint, Zollicoffer then went to Cole's home, where she left her three minor children in his care multiple times despite knowing the allegations against him.

"Cole admitted he told her while at her residence with her children he was going to have a shoot-out with police. So, these allegations are very serious in the eyes of the court." - Cedric Cornwall, Milwaukee County judicial court commissioner.

Zollicoffer was arrested at Cole's home following a standoff with police. Cole was issued a $5,000 cash bond and is barred from contacting her children.

She is due back in court next week. If convicted, Cole could face up to 12 years in prison, while Zollicoffer could face three life sentences plus 40 years.