A Russell County jury has found Jason Cole guilty in the murder of Rachael Mixson, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

The verdict was returned on Friday, April 10, 2026. In addition to the murder conviction, Cole was also found guilty of abuse of a corpse related to his treatment of Mixson’s body.

Authorities said the charges stem from an investigation that began after Mixson’s body was discovered off Cutrate Road on October 21, 2022. Investigators determined she died from blunt force trauma to the head and strangulation. Officials said Cole, who was Mixson’s boyfriend at the time, was responsible for her death.

The case was investigated by Sgt. Issan Duke, Sgt. Jose Silva, and the Phenix City Police Department.

Prosecutors in the case were Assistant District Attorney Malory Hatfield and Assistant District Attorney Lauren Brown.

The District Attorney’s Office also thanked the entire police department for its work on the case and gave special recognition to Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Jay Berni, saying cell phone location data and testimony were essential to securing the conviction.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before A. David Johnson.