Five teenagers have been arrested and charged in connection with the November 2025 killing of Kevin Cooper, a Portland minister and grandfather who was fatally shot inside his home, authorities announced this week.
Police say the violent incident began just after midnight on Nov. 1, 2025, when five suspects forced their way into Cooper’s residence in the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street in the city’s Lents neighborhood. According to law enforcement, the group opened fire inside the home while family members were present, later leading to Cooper’s death more than a month after the shooting.
Cooper, 56, was a devoted minister and grandfather who served his local church and was known for his commitment to family, relatives said. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died Dec. 12, 2025, at a hospital, turning the shooting into a homicide case that drew months of investigation.
Authorities identified the five suspects and moved to apprehend them over the past several months:
- Zyaire E. Carter, 19, and Ty’Davion C. Burton, 18, were initially arrested on Nov. 7, 2025, on unrelated charges, including attempted murder, assault, robbery and unlawful use of firearms — crimes that predated Cooper’s killing. A Multnomah County grand jury later indicted both on first-degree murder charges related to the minister’s death.
- Jayden J. Sarinana, 18, and a 17-year-old juvenile suspect were taken into custody on Jan. 6, 2026, in connection with earlier robbery cases. Both now also face murder charges in Cooper’s death.
- Jordan C. Perkins, 18, was apprehended Feb. 5, 2026, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and charged with second-degree murder and related offenses.
In addition to murder charges, the suspects face a range of felony counts including burglary, assault, recklessly endangering another person, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and unlawful use of weapons. The four adult suspects remain held at the Multnomah County Detention Center, while the juvenile is in custody at a juvenile facility.
Portland Police Chief Bob Day described Cooper’s death as “a tragedy in every way,” thanking investigators and partner agencies for their work and noting that the arrests represent an important step toward justice for the family.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have indicated the suspects may be connected to additional robberies in the Portland area. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the case proceeds through the judicial process.
