PORTLAND, OR – Five teenagers have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 57-year-old minister who was killed while protecting his 4-year-old granddaughter during a November home invasion, authorities announced.
Zyaire E. Carter, 19, and Ty’Davion C. Burton, 18, face charges including first-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and assault in the death of Kevin Cooper, according to Portland police. Three additional suspects – Jayden J. Sarinana, 18, Jordan Perkins, 18, and an unnamed 17-year-old – are charged with second-degree murder, assault and burglary.
Portland police responded to reports of a shooting around 12:30 a.m. on November 1 in the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street. Officers found Cooper suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where he died more than a month later from his injuries.
The five suspects allegedly broke into Cooper’s residence and fatally shot him in front of his family, detectives determined. Cooper’s brother told local CBS affiliate KOIN that the teenagers banged on the door and identified themselves as police officers before forcing entry into the home. The minister was shot while shielding his young granddaughter from the attackers, his brother said.
Carter and Burton were arrested approximately six days after the shooting on unrelated charges that included attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful use of firearms. Sarinana and the juvenile suspect were taken into custody in January on separate robbery charges. A Multnomah County grand jury later indicted the four adult defendants on murder charges. Perkins was the final suspect arrested earlier this month.
“The death of Kevin Cooper is a tragedy in every way,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said in a statement. “While nothing can bring him back, I sincerely hope that these arrests are a step in healing for his family.”
Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer, who is prosecuting the case, emphasized the severity of youth violence in the community. “We cannot tolerate this growing rate of violence among youth and young adults,” Palmer said. “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 served as a minister for approximately 20 years, beginning his religious calling at HeavenBound Deliverance Center Church, now known as People of Purpose Family Worship Center, according to his obituary. He was remembered as someone who enjoyed fishing and playing dominoes, often playing for Twix candy after dedicating his life to religious service.
The four adult suspects remain in custody at Multnomah County Jail, while the 17-year-old defendant is being held at a juvenile facility. All five suspects are scheduled to appear in court on March 5.
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