Where Is Karina Cooper Now? The Journey From Traer Murder to a Life Sentence

Four years after the June 2021 killing of Ryan Cooper in Traer, Iowa, his wife, Karina Cooper, has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison following an investigation that centered on Snapchat messages and an alleged affair with salon client Huston Danker.

The Crime and the 911 Call

On June 18, 2021, deputies responded to the Cooper family home after Karina called 911 to report that her husband had been shot while she was upstairs. First responders and family members later described Karina’s reaction at the scene as unusual; Ryan’s brother Aaron Cooper testified that he found Karina sitting on Ryan’s blood-covered body. The couple’s son, identified only as C.C., testified that days before the shooting his mother asked him to stop sleeping on the couch next to his father and that she handed him the phone during the 911 call.

Investigation and Digital Evidence

The case remained unsolved for nearly three years. Investigators ultimately uncovered deleted and preserved Snapchat exchanges between Karina and Huston Danker that prosecutors say showed the pair discussing marriage, family planning and — later — hatred toward Ryan and plans for an "accident." Authorities allege messages included directions to clean up spent shell casings and evidence that the pair discussed collecting a $500,000 life insurance payout.

Arrests, Charges and Trial

In February 2024 the Tama County Sheriff’s Office charged Karina with first-degree murder; Huston was arrested two months later on the same charge. At Karina’s July 2025 trial, prosecutors depicted her as a planner and co‑conspirator, presenting Snapchat messages and witness testimony as key evidence. Assistant Attorney General Israel Kodiaga told jurors, "The evidence will show that Karina Cooper was not just an unfaithful wife... The evidence will show that she is a murderer."

Defense: Karina’s attorneys argued that Huston was the mastermind who manipulated a mother of three. Defense counsel described Karina as emotionally overwhelmed and claimed she did not intend for Ryan to be killed.

Verdict, Sentencing and Restitution

In July 2025, a jury found Karina Cooper guilty of first-degree murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Huston Danker pleaded guilty in August 2025 and received a life sentence without parole; he was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to Ryan’s estate.

Family Reaction and Financial Aftermath

At sentencing, family members delivered emotional victim impact statements. Ryan’s sister, Michelle Wilson, told Karina: "Those of us left on earth were sentenced to life without Ryan. There is no justice... My full, complete, and final message to you is go to hell." After the convictions, Ryan’s family asked a judge to freeze any remaining funds from a $500,000 life insurance payout and to reclaim any money Karina had spent.

Where Is Karina Cooper Now?

Karina Cooper is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Both she and Huston face no opportunity for release under their current sentences. The case drew local and national attention, with coverage from Dateline, CBS2 Iowa, The Gazette, the Des Moines Register and Court TV.

Sources

Reporting from Dateline, CBS2 Iowa, The Gazette, the Des Moines Register, Court TV and local Tama County court records.