An Oregon minister who was shot while protecting his family during a late-night home invasion has died from his injuries, and five teenage suspects are now facing charges in connection with the killing, as reported by The New York Post.
Kevin Cooper, 57, a minister at his local church in Portland, was shot multiple times inside his home on the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street just after midnight on Nov. 1, according to Portland police.
Investigators said five armed teens identified themselves as police officers before forcing their way inside.
An Oregon minister died protecting his family, including his 4-year-old grandson, when five armed teens who identified themselves as cops during an overnight home invasion in November.
Five suspects were charged Tuesday in connection with the murder of Kevin Cooper, a minister… pic.twitter.com/xCiTKl4TRs
— LASHY BILLS (@LASHYBILLS) February 26, 2026
Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement
Relatives said the group began banging on Cooper’s door, claiming they were law enforcement, before breaking down the door.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
According to KOIN, Cooper shielded his 4-year-old grandson from the armed intruders before they shot him multiple times in front of family members.
Cooper was hospitalized in serious condition and remained under medical care for weeks. He died on Dec. 12 from complications related to his injuries. Authorities ruled his death a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
Family members described Cooper as a devoted grandfather and a minister committed to his faith and community. Police said relatives remembered him as a loving patriarch.
His older brother, Albert, told KPTV that Cooper was a “God-fearing man that did everything right.”
Relatives told media outlets the shooting appeared random and that Cooper did not know the teenage suspects.
On Tuesday, five suspects were charged in connection with Cooper’s death.
Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer addressed the case, stating, “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.”
Two of the suspects, Zyaire Eugene Carter, 19, and Ty’Davion Corshawn Burton, were already jailed for an unrelated crime that occurred before Cooper was shot.
Officials said both were charged with first-degree murder, along with robbery, burglary, and theft.
Carter and Burton had previously been facing charges including attempted murder, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm, and illegal discharge of a firearm within the City of Portland.
A grand jury indicted Carter, Burton, Jayden Joseph Sarinana, 18, and Jordan Cornelius Perkins, 18, in connection with Cooper’s murder after authorities carried out multiple search warrants on Jan. 6. An unidentified 17-year-old male was also arrested and charged.
Sarinana, Perkins, and the 17-year-old face charges of second-degree murder, assault, reckless endangerment, and unlawful use of a vehicle. Perkins was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service on Feb. 5.
The four adult suspects are being held without bond at the Multnomah County Detention Center. The 17-year-old is being held at a juvenile detention facility. All five suspects have pleaded not guilty.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day addressed the case following the arrests.
“The death of Kevin Cooper is a tragedy in every way,” Day said.
“While nothing can bring him back, I sincerely hope that these arrests are a step in healing for his family.”
Prosecutors have linked the case to a broader increase in violence involving youth and young adults in the region.
Authorities have not released additional details about the investigation.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
![Donald Trump Slams Chicago Leaders After Train Attack Leaves Woman Critically Burned [WATCH]](https://www.right2024.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Trump-Torches-Powell-at-Investment-Forum-Presses-Scott-Bessent-to-350x250.jpg)
