Sometimes you read about a crime and just shake your head in disbelief that such a brazen act really happened. Unfortunately, just that type of heinous, tragic lawlessness reportedly did take place in Oregon a few months ago. A preacher named Kevin Cooper, 56, lost his life in a late-night home invasion in Portland that was committed on November 1, 2025, allegedly perpetrated by a group of teens. They were supposedly impersonating cops. Cooper was attempting to protect his family, including a 4-year-old grandchild, from the intruders. He sadly died on December 12, 2025.
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Per the New York Post, Cooper's relatives "claim the group of gunmen began banging on Cooper's door, saying they were police, before breaking down the door." They also said that he was not acquainted with them.
Five Young Suspects Have Been Apprehended and Charged
According to a press release dated February 24, 2026, from the Portland, Oregon Police Department, "On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's East Precinct responded to reports of a shooting...." They found Kevin Cooper, "who had been shot multiple times." Those allegedly responsible exited the home prior to law enforcement's arrival on scene. Cooper succumbed to his injures weeks afterward.
The five suspects were eventually caught and charged on February 24, per the Post, with a slew of very serious charges. They include murder in the first degree for Zyaire Carter, 19, and Ty'Davion C. Burton, 18. Jayden J. Sarinana, 18, is charged with murder in the second degree. Jordan Perkins,18, is facing murder in the second degree charges. An unnamed juvenile, 17, is also facing murder in the second degree charges.
Those are just some of the charges against them.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day Paid Tribute to Cooper
Day expressed his sorrow over the shattering loss of Kevin Cooper. He was, according to his loved ones, "a grandfather, a minister in his local church, and devoted to his family."
Chief Day said in the release, "The death of Kevin Cooper is a tragedy in every way. While nothing can bring him back, I sincerely hope that these arrests are a step in healing for his family. My sincere thanks to the detectives, criminalists, officers, and others who responded to this terrible call and did the tremendous investigative work required to safely get these dangerous suspects into custody."
