Vehicles, man, woman sought in slaying of 80-year-old

Kenly, N.C. — The Johnston County Sheriff's Office is searching for two vehicles and a man and woman they believe might be connected to the slaying of an 80-year-old Kenly man.

A relative found James E. "Tom" Cooper dead inside his home at 111 Crumpler Road Tuesday evening. An autopsy determined that he died of blunt force trauma to the head, and his death was declared a homicide Thursday.

On Friday, spokeswoman Tammy Amaon said that investigators are searching for a dark red or burgundy Chevrolet S-10 pickup with a light blue drivers' side fender and a small red passenger car with no hubcaps.

The vehicles might be occupied by a white woman with light-colored hair or a white man with long hair or a pony tail.

Authorities have not commented on a motive in the slaying. A neighbor told WRAL News that Cooper's home had been broken into a couple times over the past few months.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Johnston County Sheriff's Office Detectives Division at 919-989-5010.

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I pray these creeps are caught soon and the poor victims family gets some justice. My sympathy to his family.

shortcake53
June 11, 2010 4:18 p.m.

you go naturegirl. little expert forensics homicide detective from all those Forensic Files shows aren't you

smegma
June 11, 2010 3:31 p.m.

Their parents must be so proud, harming someone who could barely defend themselves.

Praying they catch the rotters quickly, and praying for the loved ones of the elderly gentleman.

God bless.

RB

Spirit Warrior Woman - Rev. RB
June 11, 2010 3:17 p.m.

Arm your selves. Be aware.

Mr. Sensible
June 11, 2010 2:59 p.m.

just in case you aren't aware naturegirl, the police generally do not give out all the info they have so as not to tip off the family or friends of the suspects

dwarner3
June 11, 2010 2:19 p.m.