Mother Calls for Justice After Daughter’s Death from Domestic Violence

News Summary

Betty Murray is seeking justice for her daughter, Kathleen Cook, who died from traumatic injuries linked to domestic violence. Kathleen suffered serious injuries in an incident involving her boyfriend, Chad Ortolano, who is facing second-degree murder charges. Family and witnesses had previously reported signs of abuse leading up to Kathleen’s tragic demise, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and intervention in domestic violence cases.

Metairie, Louisiana – The mother of Kathleen Cook, a 53-year-old woman who died following alleged domestic violence, is calling for justice after her daughter’s tragic death. Kathleen Cook succumbed to her injuries on June 9, 2025, four months after an incident involving her boyfriend, Chad Ortolano, 35. Ortolano has been arrested and booked on second-degree murder charges, although he has not yet been formally charged.

Cook was hospitalized on February 18, 2025, after suffering severe injuries alleged to have been inflicted by Ortolano during a domestic violence incident on February 16. Authorities indicate that Ortolano claimed Cook had tripped over boxes and hit her head, but medical examinations revealed injuries inconsistent with his explanation. These included signs of severe physical abuse such as a swollen face, bruises covering her body, facial fractures, and multiple brain bleeds.

In the aftermath of the incident, Cook spent more than two months in the hospital, during which time she was unable to breathe without assistance. Ultimately, she died from a traumatic brain injury related to the alleged assault. Family members describe a significant decline in Cook’s health and well-being leading up to her death. They noted that she became a “shadow” of her former self, experiencing a loss of mobility and communication ability, a stark contrast to her previous outgoing personality.

Many noted that Cook had become increasingly withdrawn, wearing long sleeves to conceal visible bruises as the abusive relationship with Ortolano progressed. Previous to this tragic event, Ortolano had displayed controlling behaviors, and in December 2023, he faced domestic abuse battery charges against Cook. However, Cook ultimately dropped those charges.

Family observations point out that Cook’s two adult sons witnessed Ortolano’s abusive behavior and attempted to remove him from their home. Furthermore, neighbors reported frequent fighting coming from the couple’s apartment, suggesting a clear pattern of domestic violence. These warnings went largely ignored until it was too late for Kathleen Cook.

Following her daughter’s death, Betty Murray has expressed a strong desire to seek justice for Kathleen. Murray hopes that by sharing her daughter’s story, other victims of domestic violence may find the courage to seek help. The family is determined to hold Ortolano accountable for his actions, which they believe directly led to Kathleen’s death.

The Metro Centers for Community Advocacy has been highlighted as an important resource for other victims of domestic violence. They offer services including a 24-hour crisis hotline, aiming to provide necessary support to individuals facing similar situations. Murray’s hope is that raising awareness of these resources might empower others to escape domestic abuse.

As the case against Ortolano unfolds, the community remains watchful of the developments in the legal proceedings. The tragic outcome of Kathleen Cook’s life serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the need for continued advocacy and education on the topic.

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Additional Resources

• NOLA: Domestic Violence in New Orleans
• Google Search: domestic violence Louisiana
• Fox 8 Live: Tragic Domestic Incident in River Ridge
• Wikipedia: Domestic violence
• WWL TV: Woman Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Shooting
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Violence
• Louisiana Illuminator: Deportation Concerns
• Google News: domestic violence Louisiana