This guest
post is offered by Kristy Spurgeon, Regent Law 3L,
current Family Law
student, and dear friend of Angelia:
I live in a rural waterside Christian
community. We have one traffic light coming into our town and only two roads
that lead out. There are generations of families that reside in our little
world. Neighbors help one another because it is the right thing to do.
Generally, the greatest crime that occurs is a dog pooping in someone’s yard or
a non-resident coming in to take something from a vehicle. Overall, we enjoy a
safe and happy community.
When COVID19 appeared, our nation and
Commonwealth established various measures in an attempt to respond to the
virus. As time went on and the virus appeared to spread, different restrictions
were placed on Americans. Our little community learned to adapt and overcome
many challenges that came with the government’s policy. Neighbors continued to
help one another. We supported local small businesses by developing social
distancing dining and pick up. Life did not seem to change as much for us as it
did for other communities. We were blessed.
Within a few weeks, however, there was
a drastic change in our surrounding communities. It was not in the form of a
virus rampaging innocent people. No, in my opinion it was actually much scarier
than that. It was case after case of fatal domestic violence incidents. And the
first one was my friend who was brutally murdered by her “well-liked” husband.
The Daily Press’ front page read: “Relatives,
neighbors shocked at murder-suicide involving well-liked York County couple.”
The article went on to state, “Jeffrey Cooper, 52, a chemist at Newport
News Shipbuilding, was found dead in the townhouse, just inside the open door.
His wife, Angelia Boothe Cooper, 47, a divinity student at Regent University,
was also found shot in the home. She died a short time later at Riverside
Regional Medical Center.” Other news sources reported that Angelia was able to
save her daughter before her husband gunned Angelia down in broad daylight. Her
daughter was found outside of the house by responding officers and carried to
the safety of a neighbor. She is now in the care of her maternal grandparents
and learning how to live a life without her loving mother.
Angelia is not the only domestic
violence victim in our area due to the government’s policy. Five days after
Angelia’s murder, Brian Patterson was charged with murdering his wife, Princess
Chapman. Princess was wheelchair bound, again a completely defenseless victim.
Her husband murdered her reportedly for “reasons unknown.” On April 23, 2020,
Andrew Buchert was charged with murdering his mother, 83-year old Patricia
Buchert and his sister, 63-year old Linda Buchert Daniels, and then through
their lifeless bodies in his mother’s pool in the backyard where they were left
to decompose.
Why does any of this matter? What
happens in one’s home is supposed to be a ‘private matter,’ right? It matters
because each of these women mattered. Each of these women had loved ones who
they were taken from due to the violent acts of another human being. Each of
these women had dreams and aspirations they wanted to achieve. Each of these
women were entitled to live a life free of violence. Each of these women had
friends who cared about them.
I am not afraid of COVID-19. I know
what that enemy is and how to protect myself to the best of my abilities. No. I
am much more afraid of the enemy that hides in the shadows and pretends to be
the “good” community member while secretly inflicting evil on others.
I miss you Angelia. Your love and
light shall continue to be your legacy. Rest in peace, my beautiful friend.
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