An 18-year-old named Ash Cooper, previously known as Joshua Cooper, has been sentenced to 15 to 40 years in prison for the murder of a 12-year-old girl in November 2022 in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Cooper unexpectedly showed the victim’s body on a video chat after killing her, thus leading to substantial evidence against him. The accused pleaded guilty on March 21, 2023, to third-degree murder, possession of an instrument of crime, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Cooper was only 16 years old at the time of the crime. Bensalem Township Police were alerted when a juvenile reported seeing a bloody body from Cooper’s end during an Instagram video chat. Cooper had asked the juvenile to help him clean up the crime scene and get rid of the body. Upon investigation, police found the victim, Morgan Connors, dead with a gunshot wound, alongside clear signs of an attempted cleanup of the crime scene.
Cooper, who attempted to run, was quickly apprehended by officers. The gun used in the shooting belonged to the defendant’s father and was kept in a safe within the home. However, Cooper managed to gain access by replacing the batteries that his father had removed from the combination lock, rendering it inoperable.
The crime has had a profound impact on the victim’s family. During the sentencing, the Chief Deputy District Attorney read an impact statement from the victim’s grandfather. In the statement, he expressed his intense sorrow and heartbreak. He wrote, “The human heart is not built for such heartbreak.”
This report has been covered widely in the media, highlighting the tragic incident. True Crime Daily, for instance, has covered this high-profile case extensively in its podcast. This and similar cases reiterate the need for greater child safety measures and stricter gun control.
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22 Comments
Do you think social media desensitizes us to violence? Lets discuss.
Absolutely, social media normalizes violence and desensitizes us to its impact. Constant exposure to graphic content numbs our empathy and distorts our perception of reality. Its time we acknowledge the harmful effects and actively work towards a more responsible online environment.
What drives a teenager to commit such a heinous act? Societys influence or personal responsibility?
Why is society so fascinated with true crime stories like this?
Wow, this is beyond disturbing. How can someone be capable of such evil?
How can we prevent such heinous acts from happening in our society?
Why is there such a fascination with true crime stories like this?
Should teens have access to social media without parental supervision?
This is a horrific tragedy that raises questions about teen mental health and online supervision.
Teen mental health is a serious issue, but blaming online supervision for tragedies is a cop-out. Its time we address the root causes of mental health struggles instead of pointing fingers. Lets offer support and understanding, not scapegoats.
What drives a teenager to commit such a horrific act? Society or personal responsibility?
Personal responsibility plays a significant role in a teenagers actions. Blaming society is just an excuse. Its time to hold individuals accountable for their choices and actions. Lets stop making excuses and start promoting accountability and self-awareness.
Shouldnt we focus on mental health resources for troubled teens instead of just punishment?
Punishment wont solve the root cause of behavior issues in teens. Mental health resources are crucial for understanding and addressing their struggles. Lets prioritize support and empathy over punishment. Its time to invest in their well-being for a better future.
This is a horrifying crime that raises questions about mental health and online safety.
This is disturbing, but why focus on the killer instead of honoring the victim?
This is a tragic reminder of the dangers lurking online. Parents, stay vigilant!
What is happening to our youth? This is beyond disturbing.
What kind of society breeds such gruesome acts among our youth?
Unfortunately, its a society plagued by neglect, violence, and lack of opportunities. Our youth are a reflection of the environment they grow up in. Its time to address the root causes rather than just pointing fingers.
What drives someone to commit such a heinous act? Mental illness or pure evil?
Its not always so black and white. A complex interplay of factors can drive someone to commit heinous acts. Labeling it as solely mental illness or pure evil oversimplifies the issue. Lets strive for a deeper understanding before passing judgment.