TOLEDO – A second suspect has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the shooting death of a rural Traer man on June 18, 2021, according to a press release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

On Monday, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation’s (DCI) Major Crime Unit and the Tama County Sheriff’s Office arrested Huston Danker, 27, in Cedar Rapids, for his alleged role in Cooper’s death. Cooper’s wife Karina is also facing first degree murder charges, and she has been held in the Tama County Jail since her arrest in February.

Danker, a resident of Shellsburg, was transported to the Tama County Sheriff’s Office and charged with first degree murder, a Class A Felony. According to a criminal complaint, Danker told investigators he “planned and assisted” Karina Cooper in carrying out the crime. He is being held at the Tama County Jail with bond yet to be determined.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this investigation can contact the Tama County Sheriff’s Office at (641) 484-4111, the DCI at (515) 725-6010, or by email at dciinfo@dps.state.ia.us.