HERO GRANDPA: Oregon minister shielded 4-year-old grandson from gunfire during home invasion, 5 charged in his murder

A minister in Portland, Oregon died protecting his 4-year-old grandson from armed thugs who broke into his home after they pretended to identify themselves as the police before breaking down his door. Five suspects have been charged in connection with the incident.

Kevin Cooper, 57, who served as a local minister to his church, was shot multiple times in his home on the 9300 block of Southeast Ramona Street just after midnight on November 1, Portland Police said. When the suspects arrived at the house, they identified themselves as police before breaking down the door. Cooper shielded his young 4-year-old grandson from the armed robbers, getting shot multiple times.

Cooper succumbed to his injuries on December 12, a month and a half after being shot multiple times.

The five suspects have been identified as Zyaire E. Carter, 19; Ty'Davion C. Burton, 18; Jayden J. Sarinana, 18; a juvenile male, 17; and Jordan C. Perkins, 18. Some were arrested at different times for various other crimes.

Carter, Burton, Sarinana, and Perkins are in the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of murder, and the juvenile male is in the juvenile detention center being held on murder charges as well as other counts.

His death was ruled a homicide from the gunshot wounds. Relatives remembered Cooper as a caring grandfather who loved his family as well as his church congregation.

His older brother, Albert, told Fox 12 that Cooper was a “God-fearing man that did everything right.” Family members said that they do not think Cooper knew the suspects and it was a random attack.

“Kevin Cooper should still be with his grandchildren, his wife, and his church. We look forward to delivering justice for Mr. Cooper’s family, holding these men accountable, and doing our part to prevent further acts of violence,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Palmer said.

Perkins has been charged with "Murder in the Second Degree (2 counts), Assault in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Recklessly Endangering Another Person (4 counts), Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Menacing, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (4 counts)," a press release from the police said.

Carter and Burton have been charged with " Murder in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon (4 counts), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Assault in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Recklessly Endangering Another Person (4 counts), Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Menacing."

Sarinana was charged with "Murder in the Second Degree (2 counts), Assault in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Recklessly Endangering Another Person (4 counts), Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, and Menacing."

The juvenile was charged with "Murder in the Second Degree (2 counts), Assault in the First Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Recklessly Endangering Another Person (4 counts), Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Menacing, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon (4 counts)."