On March 26, 2023, 15-year-old Denim Dior John'Trel Cooper was tragically shot and killed in Galveston, Texas. The incident occurred around 1:45 a.m. near 29th Street in the 2900 block of Avenue M 1/2. Upon arrival, officers found Denim, a student at Texas City Independent School District (ISD) and a passionate football player, deceased from a gunshot wound to the head.
In the immediate aftermath, the suspect fled the scene in a four-door sedan.
Denim's mother, Shana Thomas, expressed her grief and confusion, stating she was unsure why her son was at that location during the early morning hours. Despite her profound loss, she publicly forgave the unknown assailant and urged them to surrender to authorities.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of 19-year-old Darius Jeriod Geters from Texas City. On April 13, 2023, Geters was apprehended at a residence in Texas City and charged with Denim's murder. He was held on a $500,000 bond. Prior to this incident, Geters had a criminal record; in 2021, he was arrested for evading arrest with a vehicle and had received a deferred sentence with probation in February 2023.
On June 8, 2023, a grand jury indicted Geters for the murder of Denim Cooper. This indictment marked a significant step in the legal proceedings, aiming to bring justice for Denim and his grieving family.
Denim's untimely death deeply affected his community, including his family, friends, and teachers. Texas City ISD expressed profound sadness over the loss, highlighting Denim's aspirations of becoming a professional football player and his reputation as a formidable presence on the field. Counselors were made available to support students and staff as they coped with the tragedy.
