Ryan Cooper was found dead with two gunshot wounds to his face on June 18th, 2021 in the Traer, Iowa, home he shared with his wife, Karina.
No immediate arrests were made, and Karina probably thought she got away with murder, but in February 2024, authorities came knocking and arrested her for first-degree murder.
Two months later, the police picked up Huston Danker also for first-degree murder.
Karina went to trial in July 2025.
Prosecutors claimed she and Danker were having an affair and plotted to kill Ryan so they could get their hands on $500,000 in life insurance.
Karina took the stand, saying she and Danker had a brief affair before she ended it.
She claimed Danker acted alone, but text messages showed they had communicated the day of the murder. She was convicted of first-degree murder on July 11th, 2025. She was sentenced to life without parole on September 19th, 2025.
Danker was set to go to trial in August 2025, but he decided to plead guilty to first-degree murder. He was sentenced in October 2025 to life without the possibility of parole.
DOB:
1977Conviction(s):
- First degree murder
Accomplice(s):
Date of crime:
June 18th, 2021Location(s):
Traer, IowaDate of arrest:
February 19th, 2024Details:
She and her lover, Huston Danker, kiled her husband so she could collect over $500,000 in life insurance.Confirmed Victim(s):
- Ryan Cooper (42)
Method:
ShootingMotive(s):
Life InsuranceSentence:
Life without paroleCurrent whereabouts:
UnknownLast Updated on 08/23/2026
