An Indiana man was arrested and charged after police say he killed his wife approximately a month after she gave birth to the couple’s child.
Robert Cooley, 25, was arrested on suspicion of murder on June 1 after officers responded to a complaint regarding a person shot inside an Indianapolis residence, according to a Facebook post by the Indianapolis officers Department. When authorities arrived about 7:20 a.m., they discovered a woman deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Police also stated they found a gun inside the home and “quickly” arrested Cooley.
While police did not name the victim in the post, a probable cause document acquired by WXIN identified her as Cooley’s wife, Amber Morgan, aged 26. According to the complaint, Morgan was badly assaulted, had her neck slit, and seemed to be shot.
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During police questioning, Cooley allegedly stated, “I took my wife’s life,” and “I did something bad.” “I need to go to jail,” according to the affidavit obtained by WXIN. He allegedly then confirmed to authorities that he battered and shot Morgan, according to the affidavit.
Morgan’s mother told WXIN that her daughter had given birth to a baby girl approximately a month ago and had requested her help getting a divorce the day before her death.
“She emailed me and asked if I could get a petition for dissolution of marriage papers together to help her get out of the situation,” Starla Hart told the news organization.
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The document adds that investigators interviewed a witness who indicated the couple had “ongoing domestic issues” and had argued the day before.
Amber’s father, Corey Morgan, told WISH-TV that he and Hart think something disturbed Cooley, whom Hart accused of “verbally abusing” Morgan.
“We think he tried to confront her, and she told him something he didn’t want to hear,” Corey told the site. Victory College Prep, a local charter school where Morgan worked as a kindergarten teacher, confirmed her death, according to the Star.
“She was a close friend and steadfast supporter of her fellow kindergarten teachers … every member of our school network team feels the terrible pain of her loss,” the statement continued.
The Indiana Department of Child Services rushed to the site following the event, and Cooley’s final charges will be determined by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, according to the Star. It’s unknown whether he’s hired an attorney to speak on his behalf.