Mysterious Death in Northwest Austin: Andrew Alexander Arrested in Connection with Burning Body Case of Melissa Ann Davis

A shocking incident in Northwest Austin, Texas, led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man, Andrew Alexander Cole, who stands accused of tampering with evidence related to the death of 33-year-old Melissa Ann Davis, an emerging artist whose lifeless body was discovered burning along a roadside in late September. 

While Cole has not been charged with the murder itself, he faces a second-degree felony charge, which can carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, for his alleged involvement in attempting to impair a human corpse. Currently detained in the Travis County jail, Cole also faces an additional charge of contempt for failure to pay child support, with a bond set at $1,800.

On the morning of September 29, firefighters found Davis in a still-burning area near Mesa Drive and Cat Mountain Drive. Initial suspicions suggested she may have been burned alive. 

However, subsequent investigations and a search warrant for Davis's cellphone have led to evolving assessments of the case. The official cause of Davis's death is pending the results of a toxicology report and autopsy.

Details from the arrest affidavit indicate Cole's connection to the homicide investigation through surveillance footage and cellular data. Allegedly seen with the victim at a hotel in South Austin before the tragic event, Cole was captured on security cameras leaving the hotel multiple times on the night of September 28, using Davis's Toyota 4Runner. 

Footage also showed Cole placing an item inside the victim's car the following morning. Police reports and warrant details suggest a disturbing sequence of events, including the disposal of evidence and potential attempts to obscure the crime scene.

As the investigation continues, Cole remains in custody, with an upcoming court appearance scheduled for November 17. The Austin Police Department has maintained a tight-lipped approach regarding the ongoing case, indicating that the investigation remains active and further details may unfold in the near future.

 

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