Responsible gun owner? 
Victims, suspect Identified in Hamilton double homicide
HAMILTON, Ala. —Marion County District Attorney Jack Bostick has named Jimmy Cooper, 57, as the sole suspect in the double homicide and officer-involved shooting that took place in Hamilton around 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Bostick said they do not yet have a motive, but he said he thinks Cooper was a business partner of one victim and a client of the other.
Bostick said he anticipates charges will be filed against Cooper for capital murder. The DA's office plans to pursue the death penalty in this case pending a discussion with the victims' families.
Hours after the shooting spree, Blake Schneider, a cousin of Linda Cole, released this statement from her family:
"On behalf of our family, I've been asked to give a statement regarding the tragedy that happened in Hamilton today and the loss of our mother, grandmother, daughter, wife and friend Linda Cole. She was a bright light that brought joy to all who knew her. A contagious smile and laughter followed her wherever she went. She was a strong woman of God and we know that she is in a better place. It is in moments of despair like these that we realize the more important things in life, such as the unity of family and friends.
For now we choose to lean on the Lord for understanding and seek refuge in Him. This does not just bring sorrow to us but the entire community. We would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to all of those involved and thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support that we have received. May God bless us and keep us until we see her again."
Last July, Cooper was committed for a mental evaluation in Jasper by a family member according to Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams. The sheriff said they do not have a criminal record on Cooper.
"The legislators in the state of Alabama need to step up because we have a problem with mental patients with guns," said Williams. "Our problem in the state of Alabama we have nowhere to put them. Our county jails are being flooded with mental patients that we legally really can't take care of, we're not trained fully."
He said he thinks the state needs to provide more funds to prevent more incidents like this.
Cooper was airlifted to UAB Hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in fair condition.
Cooper Being Held Without Bond In Murder Of Two In Hamilton |
Williams said at UAB, bullets were removed from one leg and one hip. Williams said he was shot in the groin area and surgery was held at UAB" to remove his testicles as a result. Cooper is in stable condition and still has a fractured pelvis, an abrasion on his left elbow and two bullets remaining in his body, Williams said.
Victims, suspect Identified in Hamilton double homicide
HAMILTON, Ala. —Marion County District Attorney Jack Bostick has named Jimmy Cooper, 57, as the sole suspect in the double homicide and officer-involved shooting that took place in Hamilton around 11 a.m. Wednesday.
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Bostick said Cooper is suspected of shooting and killing Donny Miller, 67, and Linda Cole, 61. The suspect allegedly shot Miller first outside of the Scott Hunt law firm before shooting Cole inside the Lawler & Cole accounting office down the block. The suspect was shot in the leg and arm during the incident.
"Today has put everyone in shock," said Bostick. "Obviously this is not something that anyone ever anticipates or expects."Bostick said Cooper is suspected of shooting and killing Donny Miller, 67, and Linda Cole, 61. The suspect allegedly shot Miller first outside of the Scott Hunt law firm before shooting Cole inside the Lawler & Cole accounting office down the block. The suspect was shot in the leg and arm during the incident.
Bostick said they do not yet have a motive, but he said he thinks Cooper was a business partner of one victim and a client of the other.
Bostick said he anticipates charges will be filed against Cooper for capital murder. The DA's office plans to pursue the death penalty in this case pending a discussion with the victims' families.
Hours after the shooting spree, Blake Schneider, a cousin of Linda Cole, released this statement from her family:
"On behalf of our family, I've been asked to give a statement regarding the tragedy that happened in Hamilton today and the loss of our mother, grandmother, daughter, wife and friend Linda Cole. She was a bright light that brought joy to all who knew her. A contagious smile and laughter followed her wherever she went. She was a strong woman of God and we know that she is in a better place. It is in moments of despair like these that we realize the more important things in life, such as the unity of family and friends.
For now we choose to lean on the Lord for understanding and seek refuge in Him. This does not just bring sorrow to us but the entire community. We would like to offer our thoughts and prayers to all of those involved and thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support that we have received. May God bless us and keep us until we see her again."
Last July, Cooper was committed for a mental evaluation in Jasper by a family member according to Marion County Sheriff Kevin Williams. The sheriff said they do not have a criminal record on Cooper.
"The legislators in the state of Alabama need to step up because we have a problem with mental patients with guns," said Williams. "Our problem in the state of Alabama we have nowhere to put them. Our county jails are being flooded with mental patients that we legally really can't take care of, we're not trained fully."
He said he thinks the state needs to provide more funds to prevent more incidents like this.
Cooper was airlifted to UAB Hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in fair condition.
Cooper Being Held Without Bond In Murder Of Two In Hamilton |
Williams said at UAB, bullets were removed from one leg and one hip. Williams said he was shot in the groin area and surgery was held at UAB" to remove his testicles as a result. Cooper is in stable condition and still has a fractured pelvis, an abrasion on his left elbow and two bullets remaining in his body, Williams said.
88 is a nut hugger who is afraid that he won't like what he sees.
