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A Cary man accused of murdering his wife made his first appearance before a judge Tuesday.
Police arrested Brad Cooper Monday afternoon, and charged him with murdering his wife, 34-year-old Nancy Cooper.
Dressed in a standard orange-and-white striped jumpsuit, Brad Cooper said little as he made his first appearance in court.
"Good afternoon Mr. Cooper. I need to advise you that you've been charged with first-degree murder," said Judge Jane Gray, as Cooper made his way to the bench.
Brad's mother, Carol Cooper, attended the court session and left without comment.
A small group of Nancy's friends also turned out for the appearance which lasted less than five minutes.
"All of Nancy's family is far away in Canada," said Hannah Prichard. "We figured someone needed to be here to represent that side."
Cooper is being held without bond, and surprised some people in the courtroom when he requested a public defender.
"It's my understanding from an affidavit that's been previously prepared that you're not in a position to hire your own lawyer at this time," said Gray. "I'm going to approve the appointment of a public defender."
Howard Kurtz, who represented Cooper during a recent custody fight with Nancy's family, has already been assigned to represent him in the criminal trial.
Kurtz's partner, Seth Blum, said he will assist in the criminal case.
"He's not guilty," said Blum. "We'll have to see what the state thinks they've got."
Blum also explained the request for a public defender, saying, "As the custody case went on and on, it became clear that he was running out of the limited money that he had."
The district attorney's office has not yet decided if they'll pursue the death penalty for Brad Cooper.
If they do, the Office of the Capitol Defender told NBC17 they'll probably assign another attorney to help the defense team.
Brad Cooper's next court date has not yet been determined.
Nancy Cooper disappeared July 12, after Brad Cooper says she went jogging.
Two days later she was found strangled less than three miles from the couple's home.
Cary police are releasing few details about what led to the arrest, but the bitter custody dispute has fueled speculation for the last three months.
Web Only: Play The Video Above To Watch Cary PD's Press Conference On The Nancy Cooper Murder Case
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By Pat on 10/28 09:21 AM
We definately need stiffer laws to protect women and children. I suppose some men suffer too from domestic violence but it seems to be an overwelming amount of women and children that suffer. It cost so much when the courts appoint help for women and children that most women can not afford the help. There are so many that get no child support and have to go to court and fight for it, losing time from work and then fathers taking jail time instead of choosing to support them is always thrown back on the women and kids. It seems there is a neverending battle for women and children going through domestic violence. We need to listen carefully to these mothers when they say they are going through a situation like this. If a person goes into a public place and shoves someone around or talks down to someone on a regular basis they are taken to jail and punished.If help is called out to a home where a woman is being abused, unless she files a complaint they leave him in the home angry and basically say work it out yourself. Well most women are afraid to file charges knowing he will get no punishment but a night in jail and it will wind up costing the woman, missed work, court cost,expensive lawyers and counseling for them and the children and possibly their life. I am sure there are many women trapped in this same mess as I speak. Both parties suffer the same for domestic violence in most cases and it should not be that way. CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER. We need to wake up and take situations like this more serious and stop saying we can't believe this would have ever happened bc it does and will continue if we don't get more serious with early on punishment for it. May God bless Nancy Cooper's family and friends and give them the stength they need in the coming days and as well all the many families having to suffer in the same way.
By Heather O Canney on 10/27 08:49 PM
Hate to say it, but we all did. I just hope that the fact that it took so long means they waited until they had more than enough to convict him! I just did a quick search online...according to NC most wanted there were 57 women killed in NC by their "partner" between Jan. and August of this year. That is staggering! How do we stop it???
By Pat on 10/27 07:06 PM
I knew it was coming. Now he can fight for his life like his wife had to do. Looks like Judge Sasser knew what she was doing,HUH? I never had doubt that he would be charged.
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