Diane Cole shared with me her surprisingly calm reaction upon discovering her former husband, the notorious ‘Suffolk Strangler,’ was a serial killer. Seated in her bungalow kitchen, she recounted the moment she learned the shocking truth about the man she once married.
At 71 years old and confined to a wheelchair, Diane’s recollection of the events remains vivid. She vividly remembers the day in 2006 when the TV news revealed that Steve Wright, whom she had met, traveled the world with, and married after their encounter on the QE2, was responsible for the brutal murders of at least six women.
Diane confided in me about her premonitions regarding Wright’s involvement in the murders in Ipswich. She recalled the day before his arrest, feeling a sense of foreboding as news of the killings dominated the media. Despite an initial wrongful arrest of another individual, Diane sensed that the authorities had the wrong man.
Upon Wright’s subsequent arrest in December 2006, Diane’s reaction was surprisingly composed. She expressed relief, as her intuition had prepared her for the inevitable revelation. Reflecting on their tumultuous relationship, she shared insights into Wright’s secretive and suspicious behavior, including his evasiveness regarding the disappearances of women and his affair with a barmaid.
After enduring abuse and manipulation during their marriage, Diane eventually distanced herself from Wright, seeking refuge near her family. Following Wright’s conviction and imprisonment with a life sentence, Diane bravely stepped out of the shadows and shared her harrowing story with the public.
Diane emphasized the importance of investigating every aspect of Wright’s past, urging authorities to thoroughly examine his connections and activities. She highlighted the need to provide closure to families of potential victims, including individuals like Kurtis Pratt, whose mother went missing under suspicious circumstances.
Kurtis, who grew up without answers about his mother’s disappearance, expressed gratitude for finally being heard. He emphasized the significance of law enforcement engaging with families affected by such tragedies, underscoring the need for justice and closure in unresolved cases.
As Diane and other survivors come forward to shed light on the dark past of individuals like Wright, the call for thorough investigations and accountability grows stronger. It is imperative to give a voice to those impacted by such heinous crimes and ensure that no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of truth and justice.