News : Shellsburg man arrested, charged with 1st Degree Murder

Huston William Danker

In a criminal complaint filed in Tama County Shellsburg resident, Huston William Danker, 27 was the second suspect arrested in connection with a 2021 murder of Ryan Roy Cooper of Traer.

Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's (DCI) Major Crime Unit and the Tama County Sheriff's Office arrested Danker in Cedar Rapids. He was then transported to Tama County where he was charged with first degree murder, a Class A felony.

February 19, 2024 Cooper's wife Karina Sue Cooper, 47, was arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of her husband who was found in the couple's rural Traer residence on June 18, 2021. There were two gunshot wounds to her husband's face. Since her arrest, she has been held in the Tama County Jail on a $1 million bond. She pled not guilty on March 14, 2024.

According to the criminal complaint in Danker's case, on June 18, 2021, a Tama County deputy responded to the Cooper residence seven minutes after a 911 call was placed stating someone had been shot. Once inside, the deputy found Ryan Cooper deceased in a recliner and Karina Cooper allegedly sitting on top of him. A .22 shell casing was found at the scene, however, no firearm was found in the immediate vicinity of Ryan Cooper. Persons found inside the residence included the couple and their three minor children.

According to Danker's criminal complaint, Karina Cooper had told two witnesses that she "wanted Ryan Cooper dead and could shoot him in the face."

The complaint goes on to say that Danker "acted in concert with Karina Cooper to kill Ryan Cooper" and had told investigators "he planned and assisted Karina Cooper with the shooting death of Ryan Cooper."

Danker has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and is being held at the Tama County Jail. Bail has been set for $1 million.

The Tama-Toledo News Chronicle published a story on the anniversary of Ryan Cooper's death and the continuing investigation. Cedar Valley Crime Stoppers also offered a $17,000 reward for information in the case.

Anyone with more information in this case can contact the Tama County Sheriff's Office at (641) 484-4111, the DCI at (515) 725-6010, or email dciinfo@dps.state.ia.us.