James Holley Cooper, 62, was a well-known north Tulsa businessman, mentor and avid tennis player who was shot dead after a late match at Lacy Park on the night of July 23, 2015. After finishing a game a little after 10 p.m., he walked alone to his car to load his racquet and bag when an unknown assailant approached and fired multiple shots. Witnesses heard four to five shots; family accounts described Cooper being struck six times. He was taken to a hospital but died that night.

Witnesses saw a man running west toward North Midland Avenue and gave a description of a medium-build male about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, 160 to 170 pounds. Despite canvasses and public appeals, investigators were unable to identify or link anyone to the killing, and the case remained unsolved while Cooper’s family and community mourned. Hundreds attended memorials and a fundraiser was held to cover funeral costs, as relatives spoke about the void his death left in north Tulsa.

Cooper’s case has continued to appear in lists of unsolved homicides and cold files, with authorities asking for information. If anyone knew Cooper’s movements that evening or saw the person fleeing Lacy Park, please contact law enforcement with what was seen.