An Oregon grandfather and minister is being remembered as a hero after police say he died shielding his family — including his 4-year-old grandson — during a terrifying home invasion.
Kevin Cooper, 57, was shot multiple times just after midnight on November 1 inside his home on Southeast Ramona Street in Portland. According to relatives, five armed teens pounded on his front door claiming to be police before forcing their way inside.
Family members say Cooper acted instantly, putting himself between the gunmen and his young grandson. He was shot multiple times in front of loved ones.
Cooper was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and fought for his life for more than a month before dying from complications related to his injuries on December 12. His death was later ruled a homicide caused by gunshot wounds.
This week, five suspects were charged in connection with the killing.
Prosecutors say the case highlights what they described as a growing pattern of violence involving young offenders.
“Kevin Cooper should still be with his grandchildren, his wife, and his church,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer said in a statement. “We look forward to delivering justice for Mr. Cooper’s family and holding these men accountable.”
Two of the suspects, 19-year-old Zyaire Eugene Carter and Ty’Davion Corshawn Burton, were already in jail on unrelated charges when they were formally charged in Cooper’s death. A grand jury also indicted 18-year-olds Jayden Joseph Sarinana and Jordan Cornelius Perkins, along with a 17-year-old male whose name has not been released.
Carter and Burton are facing first-degree murder charges along with robbery, burglary, and theft counts. The other three suspects were charged with second-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and unlawful use of a vehicle.
Perkins was captured by the U.S. Marshals Service on February 5. The four adult suspects are being held without bond at the Multnomah County Detention Center, while the 17-year-old is being held in juvenile detention. All five have pleaded not guilty.
Cooper’s family says the attack appeared random and that he did not know the suspects.
Loved ones describe him as a devoted grandfather and a minister at his local church — a man of deep faith who always put family first.
“He was a God-fearing man that did everything right,” his older brother Albert told local reporters.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day called the case tragic in every sense.
“While nothing can bring him back, I sincerely hope that these arrests are a step toward healing for his family,” Day said.
For those who knew him, Cooper will be remembered not just as a minister — but as a grandfather who gave his life protecting the people he loved most.
Time for the death penalty! Enough of this crap!