Potara In the last 24 hours, significant updates emerged regarding the ongoing stalking case involving University of Connecticut basketball star Paige Bueckers. Robert Cole Parmalee, a 40-year-old man from Oregon, was arrested again on September 17, 2024, on charges of stalking and harassing Bueckers. This marks his second arrest within a few weeks.
Parmalee was first arrested in August after being found wandering near Bradley International Airport, around 30 miles from UConn's campus. During the initial arrest, he had an engagement ring and lingerie in his possession. Parmalee had reportedly made numerous concerning posts on social media, declaring his intentions to marry Bueckers and expressing delusional claims about being part of the royal family. Some of his posts even escalated to threatening remarks directed at Bueckers’ family.
After the August arrest, Parmalee was released on bond but re-arrested following more troubling actions. He had repeatedly sent "rambling" emails to UConn staff and continued posting unsettling content on platforms like TikTok, further heightening security concerns around Bueckers. Police stated that in one alarming post, he mentioned a fake wedding invitation and even declared that he would choose death if he could not marry her, making explicit threats against anyone opposing him.
At his most recent court appearance in Rockville, Connecticut, Parmalee faced charges of electronic stalking, harassment, and breach of peace. He remains in custody on a $100,000 bond, with the judge imposing strict restrictions, including prohibiting him from entering Mansfield, where UConn is located, and barring any contact with Bueckers.
The situation has brought attention to the dangers of online stalking, especially for high-profile athletes like Bueckers. Authorities are now taking extra measures to ensure her safety as Parmalee's case progresses through the legal system. This incident serves as a reminder of the heightened risks athletes face from overzealous fans and stalkers, particularly in the age of social media where access to public figures is often just a click away.
Bueckers, who is widely regarded as one of the top players in college basketball, has been navigating these difficult circumstances while preparing for the upcoming season. She has not publicly commented on the case but has continued to focus on her athletic career amidst the legal proceedings. This unsettling episode underscores the importance of addressing stalking and harassment seriously, particularly when it involves high-profile individuals who often attract unwanted attention.
The case has garnered widespread media coverage due to Bueckers' prominence in women’s basketball and the bizarre nature of Parmalee's actions, including his fabricated fantasies about a relationship with her. The authorities are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely to prevent any further escalation.