Christopher Douglas Roney was born on December 15, 1969, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a city known for its rich culture and music scene. Roney became interested in music at a young age. By the mid-1980s, he joined a hip hop crew called the Hilltop Hustlers. This group helped him gain experience and recognition in the local music community.

In 1987, Roney released his debut single titled "Juice Crew Dis." This song aimed at a popular hip hop group from New York. His work caught the attention of music fans and professionals. In 1988, he released two more singles with Hilltop and City Beat Records. This success led to a contract with Atlantic Records.

Roney then released his first solo album called "I Gotta Habit" in 1989. The album performed well, staying on the Billboard 200 chart for several weeks. His second album, "Life in the Ghetto," came out in 1990 and also made it onto the Billboard charts.

In 1991, Roney decided to form a new group called C.E.B., which stands for "Countin' Endless Bank." He teamed up with fellow Philadelphia rappers Warren McGlone, known as Steady B, and Ultimate Eaze. They released their only album, "Countin' Endless Bank," in 1993. One of their singles, "Get the Point," reached number 5 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart.

On January 2, 1996, Christopher Douglas Roney, also known as Cool C, was involved in a bank robbery at a PNC bank in Feltonville, Philadelphia. He was with two accomplices, Warren McGlone and Mark Canty. During the robbery, Roney fatally shot Philadelphia Police officer Lauretha Vaird, who had responded to the bank's silent alarm. After the shooting, Roney exchanged gunfire with another police officer. He and Canty then fled the scene in a stolen minivan driven by McGlone.

Roney was arrested on October 30, 1996. His trial included testimony from three eyewitnesses who placed him at the scene. Ballistic evidence and surveillance video also linked him to the crime. On October 30, 1996, he was convicted of first-degree murder. He faced a sentencing hearing where he was sentenced to death by lethal injection on December 13, 1996.

Roney's execution was first set for March 9, 2006, after his death warrant was signed by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. He was granted a stay of execution on February 1, 2006, while legal issues were addressed. Later, his execution date was rescheduled for January 8, 2015, but was again stayed by a Pennsylvania judge on December 5, 2014. Roney has consistently maintained his innocence despite the evidence against him. He is currently incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution – Phoenix, with the inmate ID number DF1973. While in prison, Roney converted to Islam.