Nicole Cook, one of the individuals involved in the brutal murder of Reena Virk in 1997, had her life privatized due to legal consequences.
Nicole Cook was involved in the tragic murder of Reena Virk under the Craigflower Bridge in Saanich, Canada, in 1997.
The series Under the Bridge is based on Rebecca Godfrey’s nonfiction book, which explores the events surrounding Reena Virk’s death.
In the series adaptation of the Reena Virk murder case, Nicole Cook is represented by the character Josephine Bell due to legal reasons. However, the names in the series have been changed for legal reasons.
Nicole Was Involved In Tragic Murder Of Reena Virk
Reena Virk was a 14-year-old Canadian girl who faced bullying and exclusion from her peers.
She desperately sought acceptance but was taunted by girls influenced by Los Angeles street gangs.
Also, she had begun to rebel, smoking marijuana and cigarettes, and even falsely reported her father for sexual molestation to gain more freedom.
On the evening of November 14, 1997, Reena was invited to a party near the Craigflower Bridge.
While there, she was attacked by a group later known as the Shoreline Six.
Among them was Nicole Cook; witnesses reported that she stubbed out a cigarette on Reena’s forehead, initiating the violence.
Reena was repeatedly hit, punched, and kicked. She had cigarette burns on her skin, and attempts were made to set her hair on fire.
The first beating ended when one of the girls told the others to stop. Then after, Reena managed to walk away but was followed by two members, Kelly Ellard, and Warren Glowatski.
They dragged her to the other side of the bridge, made her remove her shoes and jacket, and beat her a second time.
According to Glowatski’s later testimony, Kelly forced Reena to partially undress, and both continued kicking and punching her.
They dragged her to the edge of the water, where Kelly held her head underwater until she died.
Warren Glowatski and Kelly Marie Ellard were convicted of killing Reena, with Ellard facing multiple trials.
Nicole Cook, who lived in a group home at the time, was also charged and prosecuted for her role in the murder.
Nicole Cook’s Life Remains Veiled In Privacy
After that night’s incident, Nicole returned to the crime scene the next day.
She took Reena’s sweater and shoes and had another resident hide them in her closet. During the search, Nicole also made the younger resident call Reena’s mother.
After that, information about Nicole Cook was not publicly disclosed for privacy and legal reasons.
After the case, those involved may have reintegrated into society under privacy protections, especially if they were minors at the time of the incident.
Likewise, respecting their privacy and any legal restrictions on disseminating such information is essential.
Additional Information
- The Unforgettable Story of a BC Teen Murdered by Her Peers provides an in-depth look at this case.
- Reena’s body was found eight days later in the waterway in suburban Saanich.
- Other members of the group including Missy, Courtney and Gail were charged and prosecuted for their roles in the assault on Reena Virk.
