North Adams man sentenced for 2019 murder of his wife

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. (NEWS10) -- The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office announced on Friday that Michael Cook Sr., 47, of North Adams, was sentenced on October 10 to 25 years to life in state prison for the 2019 murder of his wife, Charli Cook. He was convicted on October 4.

Cook, a registered level three sex offender, was indicted back in 2020 for breaking into the home of his estranged wife on July 11, 2019, and assaulting her with a hammer to the back of the head. Charli Cook died as a result of her brain injury in December of the same year, around five months after the attack. Michael Cook was found guilty of the following charges last Friday:

• Second-degree murder
• Armed assault with intent to murder
• Assault and battery
• Assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury
• Assault and battery on a family or household member

"No sentence, regardless of length, will truly reckon for Michael Cook Sr.'s crimes," said Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy Shugrue. "However, I hope that today brings a measure of closure and peace for Charli's family and our community."

Cook's charges will be served concurrently, with the possibility of parole after 25 years.