Huston William Danker, 26, entered a plea of not guilty to first degree murder in connection to the death of Ryan Cooper. Cooper was a resident of Traer in 2021 when he was killed.
In April, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Tama County Sheriff's Officer arrested Danker in Cedar Rapids. He was charged with First Degree Murder, a Class A Felony for "acting in concert with Karina Cooper to kill Ryan Cooper."
Ryan Cooper, 42, was killed at his home in southwest of Traer on June 18, 2021, by two gunshot wounds to the face. He was married to Karina Cooper, now 47, at the time of his death. She has also been charged with first degree murder and remains in the Tama County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Karina Cooper's trial is scheduled to begin July 9, 2024, and is expected to last 10 days. Trial will be held in Linn County. She has plead not guilty.
Danker waived his right to a speedy trial. He has filed a written arraignment and a plea of not guilty in Tama County District Court on May 16, 2024. He has obtained private counsel after previously being approved for appointment of council.
Danker stated on his financial affidavit, that he is the sole provider of his family of three and was employed by Nolan Farms with a gross annual salary of $80,000. He has retained Iowa City Attorney, Leon F. Spies, known for criminal defense in high profile cases. Spies and the judge agreed that a 10 day trial would be long enough. It is undecided as to where the trial will take place. It could be held in Linn or Johnson in December 2024. He is currently being held in Tama County on a million dollar cash or surety bond.
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