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Inset: Kevin Cooper (Portland Police Bureau). Background: The 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street in Portland, Oregon, where five teens allegedly murdered Cooper (KOIN/YouTube).
In a devastating incident reported by Oregon authorities, a group of five teenagers allegedly forced their way into a Portland residence, resulting in the tragic death of a 57-year-old minister who was courageously protecting his young granddaughter.
The accused, Zyaire E. Carter, 19, and Ty”Davion C. Burton, 18, face charges of first-degree murder along with unlawful weapon use and assault, according to the police. Alongside them, Jayden J. Sarinana and Jordan Perkins, both 18, and an unnamed 17-year-old, are also charged with second-degree murder, assault, and burglary, as detailed in a press release issued by the authorities.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day expressed his condolences, stating, “The loss of Kevin Cooper is profoundly tragic. While we cannot undo this loss, we hope these arrests can begin to offer some solace to his grieving family.”
On November 1st, around 12:30 a.m., Portland police were dispatched to a shooting on the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Cooper suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries after more than a month.
Investigations revealed that the five teenagers forced entry into Cooper’s home, shooting him in the presence of his family. According to a report by local CBS affiliate KOIN, Cooper’s brother recounted how the suspects pounded on the door, falsely claiming to be police officers before breaking in. Cooper was shot as he tried to shield his 4-year-old granddaughter.
Cops arrested Carter and Burton about six days after the shooting on unrelated charges that included attempted murder, assault, robbery, and unlawful use of firearms. Sarinana and the juvenile were arrested in January on unrelated robbery charges.
A Multnomah County grand jury indicted the four adult suspects for murder. Perkins was the last of the five suspects to be taken into custody earlier this month. The four adults are in the Multnomah County Jail while the 17-year-old is in a juvenile facility.
“We cannot tolerate this growing rate of violence among youth and young adults,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer, who is prosecuting the case, said in a statement. “Kevin Cooper should still be with his grandchildren, his wife, and his church. We look forward to delivering justice for Mr. Cooper’s family, holding these men accountable, and doing our part to prevent further acts of violence.”
Cooper became a minister about 20 years ago at HeavenBound Deliverance Center Church, now People of Purpose Family Worship Center, according to his obituary.
“Kevin had a love for fishing — though he rarely came home with a catch, often saying with a smile, ‘I had to throw it back.’ Dominoes was his game of choice, and after giving his life to the Lord, he chose to play for candy — Twix, to be exact,” the obituary said.
The suspects are slated to appear in court on March 5.