In the early morning hours of June 19, 2022, a domestic dispute in a Phoenix, Arizona, apartment complex escalated to a fatal conclusion. Abdul Cooper, a 47-year-old Black / African American man, was shot and killed during the altercation. Phoenix Police officers responded to a call about a shooting at an apartment complex near Bethany Home Road and 27th Avenue around 3:25 a.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered Abdul Cooper on the ground with a gunshot wound.
Cooper, known to his loved ones as 'Juice,' was transported to a local hospital by the fire department, where he succumbed to his injuries. At the scene, officers were met by a woman who identified herself as Cooper's girlfriend and admitted to shooting him. She told investigators that she had shot Cooper after he assaulted her.
The woman was initially detained by police and cooperated with the investigation, asserting that her actions were in self-defense. After detectives processed the crime scene, interviewed witnesses, and reviewed the initial evidence, she was released from custody. The case was then forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review to determine if the shooting was justified.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 3, 1975, Abdul Cooper was remembered by his family as a positive and old soul who had a passion for all things art. His obituary described him as an amazing chef and an intelligent individual who was a source of guidance and support for many. He is survived by his three daughters, two brothers, and his mother.
