DEFENDANT PLEADS TO LIFE DURING PROSECUTION’S CASE

Victim Gunned Down During Dispute Over Money

Atlanta- Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard, Jr. announces a conviction by guilty plea of 25-year old Richard Cooper. Trial had already begun and the State was in the midst of presenting witnesses during its case-in-chief, when Cooper changed his mind and decided he wanted to plead guilty to all charges. Cooper pled guilty to Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon for the shooting death of Frederick Weems, 35.

Weems was shot and killed on June 20, 2008 following an argument with Defendant Cooper. Witnesses say as the victim walked near the driveway of an abandoned home in the 200 block of Clarke Street in Atlanta, Cooper opened fire on him with two semi-automatic weapons. Weems, shot seven times, was wounded in his head, chest and back. Witnesses drove the victim to the hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Defendant Cooper, who fled the scene after the shooting, was captured in Tacoma, Washington at his brother’s house. In interviews with police, Cooper admitted shooting Weems because he was upset with him over some money.

Following his guilty plea, Cooper was sentenced to life in prison by presiding Judge Kimberly Esmond Adams. Cooper was facing a maximum life plus ten-year sentence.

Chief Senior District Attorney Pete Johnson led the prosecution team with assistance from Senior ADA Norris Lewis and Senior DA Investigator Steve Barresi. Detective N. Redlinger of the Atlanta Police Department led the initial investigation.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov