Photo: Google Image
Antonio Jackson
Variety Editor
In 2007, Jackson State University students and employees were shocked to learn of the murder of then junior accounting major Latasha Norman. Years later, season 2 of the Hulu series, “Death in the Dorms” will revisit the shocking circumstances of her death.
Norman’s disappearance and death is the focus of episode 6 of the series which is streaming exclusively on Hulu, where should unfortunately lose her life due to domestic violence.
In the episode, Norman is described as a beacon of light by parents Patricia and Danny Bolden Sr. Growing up, she was described as very shy and reserved, but as she grew up, she broke out of her shell. Following in the footsteps of her cousin, Takesha Norman, she would become a majorette, join a dance team, and eventually was admitted to JSU in hopes of gaining her accounting degree and opening an accounting firm in her hometown, Greenville, Miss.
In her senior year of high school and into her time at Jackson State, Norman was in a long-term relationship with Stanley Cole. Cole was older than Latasha and wasn’t in college. However, Norman would encourage Cole to enroll at JSU for criminal justice. Unfortunately, Cole would drop out and the relationship between the two would come to an end after an altercation that led to Cole hitting her in the face.
“If he did it once, he’ll do it again,” were the words from Takesha that would encourage Latasha to leave Cole. Sadly, this would not be the last domestic dispute between the two.
Later on, Cole and Latasha would have another dispute that would ultimately take her life. Along the investigation, Cole would admit to killing Latasha, resulting in him going to trial and being found guilty of murder in 2007. However, that conviction would be overturned due to the judge not putting manslaughter as an option for the jury. He would later take a plea deal where he would agree to be found guilty for manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated stalking and would serve forty years in prison.
“Death in the Dorms” does an amazing job of giving a precise and in-depth overview of Latasha Norman’s story, giving a message that no matter what circumstance you are put into, there is always support waiting for you.
In 2012, the counseling center at JSU was renamed the Latasha Norman Center and dedicated to providing brief psychotherapy for individual students, couples, and groups, immortalizing her story and legacy at JSU.
The Latasha Norman Center or LNC also offers support for anyone dealing with domestic violence as well. If you or any student you may know is dealing with domestic violence or any other mental health issues, the LNC is located on the second floor of the JSU Student Center or contact them by phone at 601-979-0374.
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