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John Cooper

Case from Salem, OR dated May 07, 1981

Victim Details

John W Cooper

Male

Salem

OR

1981-05-07

27

John

Cooper

07/08/2026

Case Description

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On a tragic evening in Salem, Oregon, the life of 27-year-old John W. Cooper was cut short. It was May 7, 1981, during a ladies' night event at the Oregon Museum Tavern on Front Street NE, when the popular gathering spot turned into a scene of unimaginable violence. Cooper, a partner in his family's tool grinding business and a graduate of McNary High School, was among the patrons at the crowded tavern when the night took a horrifying turn.

At approximately 10:30 p.m., a man named Lawrenc ...
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Links to Additional Sources (3)

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  • Statesman Journal: PHOTOS: 40th anniversary of the Oregon Museum Tavern shooting
  • oregonlive: Mass shootings in Oregon: a list
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    Forum Posts (3)

    Hey everyone,
    I stumbled upon an article about the Oregon Museum Tavern shooting from back in 198... ...Read More
    07/24/2024
    Hey everyone,
    I've been thinking a lot about how John W. Cooper was such a down-to-earth guy with... ...Read More
    12/30/2023
    Does anyone here know much about John W. Cooper's family or his background? It's so gut-wrenching to... ...Read More
    07/12/2023
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