Second suspect arrested in 2021 shooting death of Tama County man

TAMA COUNTY, Iowa — On Monday the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations and the Tama County Sheriff’s Office arrested a second suspect in the shooting death of a Traer man nearly three years ago.

On June 18, 2021 the Tama County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting in the 1800 block of K Ave. in Traer. When first responders arrived on scene they found an adult male inside the home suffering from two gunshot wounds to the head, court records state. The victim, identified as Ryan Cooper, died from his injuries at the scene.

According to court records, law enforcement on scene located Ryan’s wife, identified as Karina Cooper, inside the home. Upon further investigation, detectives learned that Karina “told two witnesses that she wanted Ryan dead and could shoot him in the face,” a criminal complaint states. In February 2024 Karina was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Karina’s trial was moved to Linn County and is expected to take place on July 9, 2024, according to court records.

On Monday law enforcement arrested Huston Danker, 27, and charged him with first-degree murder in connection to Ryan’s death. According to a criminal complaint, Danker told investigators he helped Karina plan and carry out Ryan’s murder.

Danker is being held at the Tama County jail.

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