Shortly after midnight on March 7, 2024, gunfire shattered the quiet on Grove Street near Third Avenue in Highland Park, Michigan. Neighbors reported hearing more than a dozen shots around 1 a.m., while another account placed discovery of the victim closer to 2:30 a.m. Inside a home on Grove Street, 34-year-old Black man Courtney Cooper was found with a gunshot wound to the head.

Cooper was remembered by friends and neighbors as a steady presence who helped local children with sports and essentials, known to many young people as Uncle Cheese. Early reports conflicted on whether the Grove Street house was his residence. Michigan State Police assisted Highland Park investigators, who canvassed the area and urged anyone with tips — including through Crime Stoppers or the state tip line — to come forward. No suspect, motive, arrest, or charges had been publicly announced in the immediate aftermath.

If anyone knew Courtney, saw activity on Grove Street that night, or has information that could help investigators, please contact the tip lines mentioned above.