Shivangi Sinha
In June 2021, when Ryan Cooper’s remains were discovered in his home in Traer, Iowa, his family was devastated. His wife, Karina Cooper, had first called his brother, Aaron Cooper, and soon after, Michelle Cooper Wilson also learned of her brother’s death. In the months that followed, the family pursued every possible avenue to find answers or leads about what had happened. When rumors began circulating that Karina herself might have been involved, they were stunned and struggled to believe it. In NBC’s ‘Dateline: The Farmer’s Wife,’ Ryan’s family recounts the events, their heartbreak, and the impact of their loss.
Ryan Cooper’s Family Helped the Investigation in Their Own Capacity
Jan and Connie Cooper had lived in Traer, Iowa, for many years, building their life around Cooper Farms, where they raised their three children, Ryan, Aaron, and Michelle. They had another son, Jason, born in 1972, who passed away at just six years old due to complications from heart surgery. It was an incredibly difficult period, but the support of their family and community helped them endure. As he grew older, Ryan also began working at Cooper Farms, eventually settling in Traer with his wife, Karina Cooper, and their four children, just as his siblings had done. On June 18, 2021, Karina called Aaron around 4 am, crying and urging him to come over. When Aaron arrived, he discovered his brother’s remains on the recliner chair inside the house.
The sight Aaron witnessed that morning stayed with him for days, leaving him unable to sleep. He couldn’t understand who would shoot his brother in the face so violently inside his own home. Both Aaron and Michelle initially tried to support Karina, but soon they began to feel that something was off. Michelle, who handled the bookkeeping for Cooper Farms, found a Post-it note listing Karina’s contacts and noticed the name “Huston D,” which she reported to police as a possible lead. Aaron also told investigators that he had once seen a flirtatious Snapchat message on Karina’s phone from someone named Huston. These discoveries helped guide the police toward additional evidence, ultimately revealing Karina’s involvement, along with that of a man named Huston Danker.
In February 2024, when Karina was finally arrested, the family felt a sense of relief knowing the perpetrator was behind bars. In the months after Ryan’s death, they had lived in constant fear, unsure whether other family members might also be in danger since they didn’t know who was responsible or what the motive might have been. Learning that Karina was involved devastated them, but they chose to stand strong for Ryan throughout her trial in July 2025. Michelle testified in court, saying that no sentence could ever be enough because nothing would bring Ryan back, yet the family would continue to honor and remember him always. It was an extremely difficult day for the family, but they felt some closure seeing Karina sentenced to life in prison.
Connie Cooper Passed Away, While Jan Cooper Lives Close to His Family
Connie Cooper spent most of her life working as the corporate secretary for Cooper Farms. She handled the farm’s records, finances, paperwork, and overall administrative responsibilities and passed away in Waterloo, Iowa, on May 3, 2020. She was deeply devoted to her family, especially her children and grandchildren, and her death at the age of 70 was a difficult loss for everyone who loved her.
Jan Cooper dedicated his entire life to his crops and cattle, building Cooper Farms into a successful operation with the constant support of his family. He has always preferred to keep a low profile, focusing more on his work and his home than on public attention. The loss of his son Ryan undoubtedly had a profound impact on him, as it would on any father. Still, Jan continues to find comfort in spending time with his grandchildren, valuing the moments he shares with them and remaining a steady presence for his family through all they have endured.
Aaron Cooper and His Wife Are Taking Care of Ryan’s Kids Today
Aaron Cooper has been a dedicated volunteer firefighter in Traer, Iowa, for many years, known in the community for his reliability and willingness to help anyone in need. Alongside his wife, Heather Cooper, he has built a warm and grounded life in the same town where they raised their two daughters. Their home has always been filled with love and a strong sense of responsibility to others.
That spirit of generosity deepened when Aaron and Heather opened their doors to Ryan and Karina’s four children, welcoming them into their family without hesitation. With an adorable family dog adding extra joy to the house, their days are now filled with shared meals, school routines, and lively holiday traditions that bring everyone together. Through it all, Aaron and Heather have become pillars of support, not just for their own children, but for their extended family. They aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment where all children can thrive.
Related
Michelle Cooper Wilson is Raising Her Four Kids in Iowa
Michelle Cooper Wilson and her husband, Michael Wilson, have also made Traer their home, where they have built a meaningful life in the same close-knit community. They raised their four children, Johnna, Kyle, Zach, and Kendyl, in the small Iowa town, surrounded by familiar faces and strong local support. Michelle is especially proud of the people her children are becoming, with Kyle serving in the Air Force and the others pursuing their own paths in life.
Michael, meanwhile, dedicated himself to his education and completed four years of medical school, earning his medical degree in 2022. Throughout the years, Michelle has naturally taken on the role of the family’s informal spokesperson. She has often expressed her gratitude to the Traer community for standing by them and understanding whenever it was needed. For Michelle, her brother’s memory remains a constant presence, and it is something she carries with her through every family milestone.
