A 57-year-old church minister, Kevin Cooper, has died after being shot while shielding his 4-year-old grandson during a violent home invasion in Portland, Oregon, United States of America.
According to the Portland Police Bureau, the incident occurred shortly after midnight on November 1, 2025, at Cooper’s residence on the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street.
Authorities said five armed teenagers allegedly posed as police officers, banged on the door, and forced their way inside the home.
Family members told local media that the intruders claimed to be law enforcement before breaking down the door.
During the confrontation, Kevin Cooper reportedly moved to protect his grandson and other family members when he was shot multiple times.
He was transported to the hospital in critical condition and later died on December 12, 2025, from complications related to his injuries. Officials ruled his death a homicide.
Relatives described Cooper as a devoted grandfather and respected minister at his local church.
His brother, Albert Cooper, told local outlet KPTV that he was a “God-fearing man” who lived responsibly and peacefully.
Family members also maintained that the attack appeared random and that Cooper had no known connection to the suspects.
On February 24, 2026, prosecutors announced charges against five individuals in connection with the killing.
Two suspects — Zyaire Eugene Carter, 19, and Ty’Davion Corshawn Burton — were already in custody on unrelated charges prior to being indicted in Cooper’s death.
A grand jury indicted Carter, Burton, Jayden Joseph Sarinana, 18, and Jordan Cornelius Perkins, 18, on murder-related charges.
An additional 17-year-old male was also arrested and charged in connection with the home invasion.
Carter and Burton face first-degree murder charges along with robbery, burglary, and theft counts. They were previously charged in a separate case involving attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and firearm-related offences within the city.
Sarinana, Perkins, and the 17-year-old suspect were charged with second-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and unlawful use of a vehicle.
Perkins was apprehended by the United States Marshals Service on February 5, 2026.
The four adult defendants are being held without bond at the Multnomah County Detention Centre, while the juvenile suspect remains in custody at a youth detention facility. All five have pleaded not guilty.
In a statement, Bob Day, Chief of the Portland Police Bureau, described Cooper’s death as “a tragedy in every way,” expressing hope that the arrests would bring some measure of solace to the grieving family.
Prosecutors from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said the case underscores concerns about escalating youth violence and pledged to pursue accountability.
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