Karina Cooper Sentenced to Life in Prison

Karina Cooper was adjudicated guilty of first-degree murder in violation of Iowa Code sections 701.7 and 707.2(1)(a) and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Her custody has been placed with the director of the Division of Adult Corrections, with temporary custody under the county sheriff.

In addition to her prison sentence, Cooper was ordered to pay victim restitution to the estate of Ryan Cooper in the amount of $150,000, as required by Iowa Code section 910.3B(1). She was also ordered to make supplemental restitution of $14,944.76 to the Crime Victim Compensation Program. Cooper is responsible for court costs and any fees associated with court-appointed counsel; however, no additional fees were requested. Category B restitution was waived after review of her financial affidavit.

As mandated by Iowa law, Cooper must provide a DNA sample to the Department of Correctional Services for DNA profiling purposes. No bail was allowed due to the severity of the offense.

During sentencing, the court described the crime as senseless, noting that Ryan Cooper was a hardworking, kind, and generous man who loved his children and friends. The judge emphasized that Cooper’s actions, whether as the direct perpetrator or as an accomplice, deprived her children of both a father and a mother and caused profound grief for his family and friends.

Cooper was informed of her right to appeal to the Iowa Supreme Court. If she cannot afford the costs associated with an appeal, she may apply to the court for the appointment of counsel and necessary transcripts. To perfect an appeal, she must file a written notice of appeal with the county clerk of court within 30 days and serve a copy on the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, as required by Iowa Criminal Code Chapter 814.

With no further record requested by the prosecution or defense, the court concluded the proceedings.