Iowa Woman Found Guilty of Husband’s Murder After Lengthy Trial

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — After three and a half hours of deliberation, a jury has found Karina Cooper guilty of first-degree murder in the death of her husband, Ryan Cooper. The verdict came on July 11, 2025, in a case that drew significant public attention due to its shocking details.

Ryan Cooper was found dead from two gunshot wounds to the face in their Traer home on June 18, 2021. According to an affidavit, deputies discovered his body while Karina was sitting on top of him. Their three children were present in the home at the time of the incident.

No gun was found at the crime scene, but investigators recovered a .22 shell casing. Nearly three years passed before Karina was arrested and charged with murder in February 2024. Huston Danker, a co-defendant, was also charged for allegedly conspiring with her in the killing.

Prosecutors alleged that Karina and Danker were involved in an affair and plotted to kill Ryan to collect $500,000 from a life insurance policy. During the trial, Karina’s defense claimed that Danker was solely responsible for Ryan’s death, portraying him as a manipulative figure who led Karina into dangerous situations.

Karina faces a life sentence without parole, as required by Idaho law. Throughout the trial, she denied any involvement in her husband’s murder, explaining that private messages exchanged with Danker were taken out of context. In one exchange, she disputed that a simple response of “go” was indicative of her complicity in the crime.

Digital forensic evidence presented in court contradicted Karina’s claims, indicating that two subsequent messages she said she sent after “go” were not possible. This information raised questions about her credibility.

Detailed testimony from law enforcement included insights from Deputy Brian Randall and criminalists from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. They discussed the forensic evidence collected, including blood samples and firearm analysis.

Other witnesses included friends and family members who described Karina’s behavior and alleged threats toward Ryan in the years leading up to the shooting. Key testimony revealed Karina’s financial struggles, with evidence showing her bank accounts were frequently overdrawn prior to Ryan’s death.

Ryan Cooper’s sister testified about her financial oversight of the family’s business and the life insurance policies that named Karina as the sole beneficiary. As the trial progressed, accusations of emotional and financial abuse within the marriage were explored, adding complexity to the case.

The jury’s decision marks a significant moment in a tragic case that has resonated within the community, leaving many to reflect on the circumstances leading up to this outcome.