factually
Index/Topics/Investigation and Inquest

Investigation and Inquest

The investigation into Sam Cooke's death, including the coroner's jury and the acceptance of Bertha Franklin's account as justifiable homicide.

Fact-Checks

2 results
Feb 5, 2026

What was Bertha Franklin's background and what happened to her after the Sam Cooke investigation?

of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles who, on December 11, 1964, shot and killed singer Sam Cooke and told police she acted in self‑defense; a coroner’s jury quickly ruled the death a justifiable homic...

Jan 26, 2026

What were the allegations against Bertha Franklin and the Hacienda Motel in relation to Sam Cooke's death?

The core allegations against and the after ’s death centered on two competing narratives: Franklin’s claim that she shot Cooke in self‑defense after he attacked her while searching for a woman, and sk...