Family of Bullitt County teen Cole Bullock says three defendants’ sentences fall short after 2024 murder and robbery

Three Bullitt County teens were sentenced in connection with the 2024 murder and robbery of Cole Bullock, according to a report from WLKY published Nov. 10, 2026. The case drew attention from the community as the prosecution pursued accountability for the killing, and the court imposed punishments after a sentencing phase.

In the aftermath of the sentences, Bullock’s family told WLKY they were disappointed with the outcome. The family said the terms imposed were not enough to reflect the seriousness of the crime and the impact on their household.

WLKY’s report describes the dispute as a family-led reaction to the court’s decision rather than a government challenge to the sentences. The family’s comments underscore that even after a conviction and sentencing, victims’ families may continue to press for stronger consequences.

The underlying case involves both murder and robbery connected to Bullock’s death in 2024. The sentencing of three separate defendants indicates the court found more than one person played a role in the offenses charged.

The sentencing also reflects the way Kentucky courts handle juvenile cases and youthful offenders when multiple defendants are involved, with outcomes shaped by what prosecutors proved, what the court found credible, and any mitigation factors argued during sentencing. Under that framework, families may dispute how those factors translate into time served or other penalties.

For the broader Bullitt County community, the next steps will hinge on the usual post-sentencing process, including any potential appeals or further court activity. Until the appellate process is complete, the sentences remain the controlling court orders in the case.