On February 11, 2016, the body of 22-year-old Chandler Michael Cooper was discovered by hikers near a trail by Saltair in Magna, Utah. A resident of the Holladay-Millcreek area, Cooper had been shot twice, once in the face and once in the chest, in what investigators described as an "execution" style killing. His body was left a few hundred yards from the intersection of the North Temple Frontage Road and 11500 West. Authorities believe he was driven to the remote location and killed there.
Two shell casings were found at the scene, but no firearm was recovered.
For years, the case remained unsolved with no arrests made. Investigators learned that in the nights leading up to his death, Cooper had been with a friend who claimed to have dropped him off in a Salt Lake City area. Friends of Cooper told police that he was not known to frequent the area where his body was found, leading them to believe he did not go there willingly. The investigation also looked into the possibility that the homicide was connected to a drug-involved lifestyle, as Cooper had previous drug-related offenses.
A significant break in the cold case came with new DNA evidence analysis. In 2024, investigators re-examined Cooper's clothing and found DNA from at least two other individuals inside his pockets. This, combined with a renewed investigation that involved re-interviewing witnesses and serving new search warrants, led authorities to a primary suspect.
In September 2025, nearly a decade after the murder, police arrested 38-year-old Casteil "Slim" Franlink Hamlett in connection with Cooper's death. He was charged with murder, discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice. The investigation revealed a complex plot involving a planned robbery. Detectives uncovered that an acquaintance of Cooper's had won $14,000 betting on the Super Bowl and threw a party to celebrate. Both Hamlett and Cooper were allegedly part of a plan to rob the man of his winnings.
According to court documents, Hamlett was "playing both sides" and informed the robbery target of Cooper's plan. At the party, conversations reportedly took place about Cooper being a "problem" and discussions were had about how to get rid of him, with options ranging from assault to murder. Hamlett admitted to picking Cooper up on the night of the murder but claimed he had dropped him off alive at an apartment complex. In addition to the DNA evidence, a bag of candy believed to belong to Cooper was found in Hamlett's car. Prior to Hamlett's arrest, another man, Jesse Mascaro, was charged with obstruction of justice after police determined he had lied to investigators about his association with the main suspect.
