Oklahoma stepdad, accused of abuse, attempts to end life as charges against his wife are revealed

The stepfather of Ryan “RJ” Davis, the 12-year-old Oklahoma boy who was missing for more than a week before being found safe Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, attempted to take his own life while in custody. Meanwhile, Ryan’s biological mother, Kimberly Cole, is facing her own set of felony charges, including two counts of “Crimes Against Nature.”

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Davis’ disappearance and the alleged abuse he suffered.

Davis’ stepfather’s first court appearance and suicide attempt

According to the Caddo County District Attorney’s Office, George Cole Jr., 43, was hospitalized on Monday, Jan. 12, after attempting to take his own life while being held in the Caddo County Detention Center. His suicide attempt followed a court appearance in which a judge set his bond at $2.5 million on multiple felony charges related to the alleged abuse of Davis.

The DA’s office said Cole attempted to hang himself in his jail cell after the hearing. He was transported to a hospital, where he is undergoing medical evaluation. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is investigating the incident.

Online records show Cole faces at least eight counts of child abuse, one count of child sexual abuse, and one count of child neglect, along with additional counts tied to criminal patterns and conspiracy, per local news outlet KOCO.

In court, Cole was ordered not to have contact with minors, animals, or witnesses if he is released on bond, and he must wear a GPS monitoring device.

Mother’s charges: “Crimes Against Nature” explained

At the same time, Davis’ mother, Kimberly Cole, 33, remains in jail facing an 11-count indictment that includes three counts of child abuse, three counts of child neglect, two counts of child sexual abuse, two counts of crimes against nature, and one count of conspiracy, according to court records.

Under Oklahoma law, a crime against nature is defined as “detestable and abominable” acts committed against a person, a term historically associated with prohibited sexual acts. The statute is broad and can encompass various forms of illicit conduct.

Crimes against nature are considered felony offenses under state law and typically carry significant penalties. Authorities have not publicly released detailed evidence regarding the alleged acts tied to the crimes against nature counts.

What happened to Ryan Davis?

Davis was first reported missing on Jan. 2, last seen near Fourth Street and East Grand Avenue in Chickasha. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol issued an Endangered Missing Advisory, and the OSBI joined the case after officials described the disappearance as “suspicious.”

On Jan. 11, members of the volunteer search group United Cajun Navy located Ryan alive in Caddo County, more than nine days after he was last seen. The OSBI said he was found alone in a makeshift shelter and was evaluated by medical personnel. While still missing, law enforcement arrested George and Kimberly Cole on Jan. 7, and booked both into the Caddo County Jail on abuse and related charges. OSBI officials have made clear that Ryan will not be returned to his parents’ custody and that the agency will work with the Department of Human Services to place him in a safe environment.