Nationwide — Kevin Cooper, an African American man from Portland, Oregon, was shot while protecting his grandson during a home invasion. Five teens now face murder and assault charges in connection with his death.
Kevin Cooper, 56, a minister at People of Purpose Family Worship Center, died on December 12, 2025, more than a month after the attack at his Southeast Portland home. The shooting occurred around 12:30 a.m. on November 1, 2025.
According to People, the suspects knocked on Cooper’s door pretending to be police before forcing their way inside. Cooper was shielding his 4-year-old grandson when he was shot multiple times. Investigators worked for weeks, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses to identify the attackers.
Police charged Zyaire Carter, 19, and Ty’Davion C. Burton, 18, with first-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, and recklessly endangering another person. Jayden J. Sarinana, 18, Jordan Perkins, 18, and a juvenile male face second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and first-degree burglary charges.
Chief Bob Day of the Portland Police Bureau called Cooper’s death “a tragedy in every way” and said the arrests may help the family begin healing. Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer condemned rising youth violence and promised justice for Cooper’s family.
It is not yet clear if the suspects have entered pleas or retained attorneys. Police are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward.