A man completely lost his temper in court after being sentenced to life in prison, shouting “Stop playing!” as deputies moved in to restrain him.
The outburst happened after 34-year-old Darren Cole was found guilty of murder following a three-week trial. As the judge read out his sentence — life without the possibility of parole — Cole suddenly stood up, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Stop playing! You’re not serious right now!” he shouted, slamming his hands on the defense table. Witnesses said the courtroom went completely silent as officers rushed to calm him down.
Judge Marie Lawson briefly halted proceedings while Cole was removed, later saying, “This court will remain in order and dignity will be upheld.”
Prosecutors described Cole’s outburst as “a final show of defiance,” while the victim’s family said it only proved he had no remorse.
Social media quickly reacted after footage of the moment surfaced online. “He really thought the judge was joking,” one user wrote. Another commented, “That’s not a game, bro — that’s your life.”
Cole is now serving his sentence at a state penitentiary, where he’ll spend the rest of his life behind bars.
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