TAMA COUNTY, Iowa — Karina Cooper, who was found guilty in the first-degree murder of her husband, was sentenced on Friday.

Karina Cooper was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday afternoon.

A Linn County jury found Karina guilty of first-degree murder in the 2021 death of her husband, Ryan Cooper, in July.

In June 2021, the Tama County SO was called to a home in Traer where Ryan Cooper was found having suffering multiple gunshots. Ryan died for his injuries at the scene. According to criminal complaints, Karina told witnesses she “wanted Ryan dead and could shoot him in the face.”

Karina was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder in February of 2024. Held in July 2025, the trial was moved to Linn County to ensure fairness. After several hours of deliberation the jury delivered their verdict, siding with the prosecution.

After the sentencing, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office posted a letter thanking law enforcement and legal council for their work on the case and shared their sympathy.