Karina Cooper was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2021 shooting death of her husband, Ryan Cooper — while allegedly messaging a lover about marriage and starting a family
An Iowa woman has been convicted of first-degree murder for the 2021 killing of her husband — a crime prosecutors say she committed while secretly planning a life with her lover, whom she met through her job at a salon.
Karina Cooper was found guilty on July 11, more than four years after Ryan Cooper, 42, was discovered fatally shot twice in the face inside their home in Traer, Iowa, in June 2021, according to multiple outlets including CBS 2 Iowa, the Des Moines Register, and Court TV.
Karina, who was arrested in February 2024, admitted in court that she had been having an affair with Huston Danker, a salon client, who is also charged with Ryan’s murder and is awaiting trial.
Secret Snapchats and IVF Fantasies
According to prosecutors, Karina and Danker exchanged Snapchat messages in the hours surrounding Ryan’s death. Those conversations, presented as evidence during her trial, included talks of marriage and starting a family together — even undergoing IVF treatments, CBS 2 and The Gazette reported.
“While her husband was being murdered, Karina was messaging another man about babies and their future together,” prosecutors told the jury, pointing to chilling digital exchanges in which the two discussed their romantic plans.
A Loving Father Remembered
Ryan Cooper was described in his obituary as a devoted father of four — three of the children he shared with Karina.
“Ryan was great with all children, and it was clear to everyone how much he adored his kids,” the tribute read.
What’s Next
Karina is scheduled to be sentenced in September, CBS 2 Iowa reports. Danker’s trial is set to begin in August, according to The Gazette.
Both face first-degree murder charges, and prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of further charges or enhancements depending on the outcome of Danker’s trial.
