The victim of the June 28 homicide has been identified. Donald Cole, a 42-year-old from Kingston, was found deceased after deputies were dispatched to a residence in Buncombe Creek near Texoma Christian Camp Road in reference to a shooting.
Cole, lovingly referred to as “Bass Bud” was loved by many in the community. Many of those took to Facebook to offer their condolences andmemoriesofBassBud.
Cashena Hardcastle, a former coworker, said he was alwaysreadytohelpsomeone in need.
“You made days at work back then better because you were there,” she said in her post. “You loved to jump in and help with anything and everything, from helping stock the cooler at Stew's to my flat tire. Always smiling and eager to pitch in. I can't imagine all the heartbreak so many are suffering with your loss. You were one of a kind. You will be missed greatly.”
Kammee Kiser said he wasn’t just a friend, he was more like family.
“My heart is so heavy. I don’t even know where to begin. I hate that I’m even makingthispost,”sheposted. “Bud was the brother I never had. My dad’s best friend. He truly was family to me.”
She also posted about his kind and loving nature.
“He had the kindest heart, always willing to help anyone and everyone without question. He was literally a “give the shirt off his back” kinda guy.”
“He was always down for an adventure and to go fishing,” she said about his love of fishing. “Over half of my life has had him in it, from birthdays, holidays, vacations and fishing trips, he has always been there.”
Sherry Harris also posted about how he was more of a family member than a friend. “There are just no words to describe the huge void that will be in our lives without you,” she posted. “You were so much to so many, but to us you were part of the family. You were Troy’s best friend, there was nothing you two could not accomplish together.”
“You’veworkedontrailers, boats, tires, docks, shops, sewers, tractors,” Harris said about his ability to fix things. “If it could be fixed or figured out you were the guy.”
Harris also posted about the time she and her family spent with him.
“We’ve shared holidays, vacations and cheesecakes. I have as many pictures of you as I do my own kids.”
“You gained the title brother Bud because you werejustlikeabigkidandthe girls thought of you like an older brother,” she continued. “You’ll always be thought of when we have stew and homemade ice cream.”
She even commented about how their dog loved him, as well.
Remi Wilkerson posted about his kind heart.
“You were one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever met. The way you cared about others, the way you’d send the most random, sweet messages just to make someone smile—your soul was truly one of a kind,” she posted. “Everyone who knew you loved you. You had that kind of warmth that just made people feel safe and seen. You had a very special gift of somehow turning somethingassimpleasamessage about work or a picture of my dog into a moment that made my day better and I’m sure lots of others could say the same.”
He was a regular at Willie’s Rattlin the Pans restaurant. The employees loved Cole and even told KXII what he meant to them.
“If you knew him, you knew him and I don’t think there was a person in this countythatdidn’tknowhim,” Tonya Wescott told KXII. “He always had a smile. You couldn’t have a bad day around ‘Bud’ because he was gonna make you smile.”
April Stephens, a server at Willie’s commented on how he always made her feel safe.
“Nightsideleavingthebar, and I didn’t feel comfortable leaving, he would always walk me to my vehicle to makesureIwassafe.Always” Stephens said.
Two people were arrested in connection with Cole’s death; Chris Bridenthal and Randi Rud. Bridenthal, a 37-year-old male from Kingston was charged with Possession of a Firearm After a Formal Conviction of a Felony. Both suspects went to court on July 3 for a bondhearing.Bridenthalwas ordered to be held without bond due to his violent prior.
He is currently on probation in Bryan County for Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon. The court is in the process of revoking the suspended sentence. Prosecutors said they believe charges for First-Degree Murder will be filed soon.
When Rud went before the judge, she was given a $100,000 bond with stipulations. a 75-mile radius of her home, have an overnight curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., check in with the sheriff’s office on Sundays before 6 p.m., avoid contact with potential witnesses and no alcohol or drugs unless prescribed. The judge noted that if more charges are filed against Rud, her bond amount will increase.
An online search found priors for Bridenthal for Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Forgery and Driving with an Invalid License.
Rud, a 32-year-old female from Kingston, was charged with Conspiracy, Transfer Firearm to a Felon, Possession CDS and Obstruction. An online search found priors for Larceny of Merchandise from a Retailer, DUI and Transporting an Open Container.