Bengie Michelle Cooper, a 56-year-old African American woman from Texarkana, TX, tragically lost her life on July 29, 2021. She was fatally shot in the parking lot of the Creekside Apartments in Texarkana, Texas. The incident occurred in the afternoon when Cooper and another woman were talking near the laundry building and parking lot.
The suspect, Tremayne Douglas Ware, 39, approached the scene in a white Yukon SUV and shot Cooper once in the head after she tripped and fell over a
curb. The other woman, who was also shot, managed to hide beneath a car with her 4-year-old daughter, escaping further harm. Ware was later arrested by Texarkana, Arkansas, Police Department officers on a drunk driving charge after being seen driving erratically on Highway 67.
Following the incident, Ware was indicted by a Bowie County grand jury on charges of murder, aggravated assault, and child endangerment. In February 2022, a Bowie County jury sentenced Ware to three life sentences for the murder of Bengie Cooper, the aggravated assault of the other woman, and child endangerment. The court found that Ware's long criminal history, which included more than 15 felony convictions, contributed to the severity of his sentence.
The tragic death of Bengie Cooper has raised questions about the security measures at the apartment complex and whether adequate precautions were in place to protect residents and visitors. The investigation into the incident revealed that there had been prior incidents of violence on the property, and the level of security provided was a significant factor in assessing whether the shooting could have been prevented.
The family of Bengie Cooper has sought justice and compensation for their loss, and the surviving victim has also pursued legal claims for her injuries. The Murray Law Firm, which has extensive experience in handling security negligence claims, has been involved in representing the victims' families.
The loss of Bengie Cooper has deeply affected her family and the community, leaving behind a legacy of love and memories cherished by her four sons, two daughters, and numerous grandchildren.
