On a summer evening in Muskegon, Michigan, a selfless act of brotherly love ended in tragedy. Sixteen-year-old Zamarian Cooper was at a birthday party with his younger sister on August 17, 2019, when a dispute erupted, and gunfire shattered the celebratory atmosphere. As chaos ensued, Zamarian’s first instinct was to protect his sister. He grabbed her and shielded her from the hail of bullets, urging her to run to safety. While his sister escaped unharmed, Zamarian was struck by a bullet and collapsed. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Zamarian was remembered by his family as a remarkable young man with a bright future. A student at Muskegon High School, he was a talented musician who played the saxophone and had earned a scholarship to college for his musical abilities. He was also a wrestler and was described as a kind and loving individual who had never been in trouble with the law. His heroic actions in his final moments were a testament to his character, as he made the ultimate sacrifice to save his sister.
In the wake of the shooting, the Muskegon community mourned the loss of a promising young life. Law enforcement began an investigation that initially suggested the involvement of multiple shooters. An arrest was made in connection with the senseless act of violence. T.J. Purnell was taken into custody and charged with the murder of Zamarian Cooper.
In September 2021, T.J. Purnell pleaded no contest to the murder charge. The investigation revealed that the shooting occurred behind a Dollar General store near the party. Following his plea, Purnell was sentenced to a term of 13 to 70 years in prison for his role in the death of Zamarian Cooper. While the conviction of Purnell brought a measure of justice for Zamarian's family, the initial reports of other potential suspects remain an unresolved aspect of the case.
