YORK COUNTY, S.C. — A man who spent 18 years in a South Carolina prison is returning for 18 more years behind bars after admitting he beat a friend to death with a hammer one month after being released.
Jerod Juan Cook pleaded guilty Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter and was immediately sentenced, The Herald of Rock Hill reported.
Cook attacked 59-year-old John Ferrell II in his Rock Hill apartment in June 2020 and DNA linked the two men to each other, prosecutors said.
Cook, 39, was released from prison in May 2020 after serving 18 years for armed robbery, assault with intent to kill, burglary and other crimes, according to court records.
Cook was originally charged with murder, but prosecutors said they agreed to reduce the charge to voluntary manslaughter and the 18-year sentence.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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