“To know that that guy thought he was going to get away with it, it just feels good,” said King’s brother, Gregory King, following the verdict, according to Richmond’s CBS affiliate WTVR. “It puts icing on the cake.”
King’s body was found by Hanover County deputies on July 21, 2022, after authorities received a report of a woman’s body discovered on the side of a roadway. Coble was arrested weeks later, on August 11, 2022.
In a bizarre twist during court proceedings, Coble initially switched between using legal representation and representing himself. Once the trial began, he opted to act as his own attorney — personally selecting jurors, delivering his opening statement, and cross-examining witnesses.
Throughout the trial, Coble alleged a conspiracy against him involving both his attorneys and law enforcement. His behavior led to frustration from the presiding Hanover County judge, who accused Coble of attempting to manipulate both the court and the jury.
“He used lots of delay tactics, continuances to keep this case going and drew it out so it took a lot to bring this case across the finish line,” said Hanover Commonwealth’s Attorney Mackenzie Babichenko, according to WTVR.
During the trial, Coble admitted to fatally shooting King and disposing of her body in the woods, but he claimed the killing was an accident. Prosecutors argued otherwise, suggesting a clear motive: Coble had reportedly taken King to an abortion clinic, but when she refused to terminate the pregnancy, tensions escalated.
Tragically, King had previously warned her mother that if anything ever happened to her, Coble would be the one responsible.
Gregory King remembered his sister as a bright and resilient young woman:
“She was a ray of sunlight. She was fun, beautiful, courageous, and strong,” he said. “I’m just grateful for everything.”