In a tragic and shocking turn of events, a small-town Iowa family has been thrust into the national spotlight following the murder of Ryan Cooper, a 42-year-old farmer, allegedly at the hands of his wife, Karina Cooper, and her acquaintance, Houston Danker. The investigation, which began on June 18, 2021, has uncovered a web of deceit, betrayal, and a potential conspiracy driven by greed.
On that fateful morning, a 911 call reported that Ryan had been shot in their home on K Avenue in Treyer. Arriving deputies discovered Ryan slumped in a recliner, with two gunshot wounds to his head. Despite attempts to revive him, paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Initial investigations revealed no signs of forced entry, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Karina Cooper, who was present with the couple’s three children, claimed she awoke to find her husband shot and had called for help.
As investigators delved deeper into the case, inconsistencies in Karina’s account began to surface. Notably, a Snapchat message sent an hour before the shooting from Danker to Karina, which read, “Remember those casings?” hinted at a possible premeditated plan. This revelation prompted law enforcement to scrutinize Karina’s relationship with Danker more closely, particularly as both had a history of questionable communication.
Detectives later learned that Karina had been engaged in an affair with Danker, which she initially denied. Further evidence emerged, including a digital trail of messages that suggested a more serious relationship between the two. The investigation intensified when it was discovered that Danker had searched online for information related to murder and how to cover one up shortly after Ryan’s death.
For nearly three years, the investigation continued, gathering witness statements and digital evidence, including additional conversations that Karina had with Danker. In early 2024, crucial findings materialized when it was revealed that Danker had given a rifle to a coworker for safekeeping, which matched the caliber used in Ryan’s murder. Despite being unable to definitively link the weapon to the crime, investigators believed it was enough to move forward with charges.
On February 19, 2024, Karina Cooper was arrested for first-degree murder, followed by the arrest of Houston Danker two months later as a co-conspirator. Both defendants were held on $1 million bonds while awaiting trial.
The trial, which began in July 2025, centered around the prosecution’s argument that the murder was a calculated act driven by Karina’s desire to obtain Ryan’s $500,000 life insurance policy, in order to build a life with Danker. Digital evidence, including the damning Snapchat messages, aimed to paint a picture of a premeditated conspiracy.
Karina’s defense, however, sought to shift blame onto Danker, portraying her as a victim manipulated by him. They argued that her intimate messages were mere fantasies and that she did not stand to gain financially from Ryan’s death, as the insurance policy had been put into a trust for their children.
The case took a pivotal turn when Karina took the stand, facing intense questioning about her relationship with both Ryan and Danker. Under cross-examination, she struggled to justify her statements and the nature of her communications with Danker, leading to doubts about her credibility.
After the jury deliberated for just under four hours, they returned with a verdict. Karina Cooper was found guilty of first-degree murder on July 11, 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for September 5, 2025, where she faces a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Meanwhile, Houston Danker remains in custody, awaiting his trial, set for August 12, 2025, in Johnson County. If convicted, he too faces life in prison. The case has captivated the community and raised discussions about the darker sides of relationships and the lengths individuals might go for personal gain. As the legal proceedings continue, the tragic story of the Cooper family serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the potential for betrayal.
