Massacre in the Suburbs Daughter of Affluent Slain Couple Missing
by Richard Whittier
Reston - The bodies of a local businessman, his wife, and two other men were found mutilated early this morning in their home in Reston.
Harold Cooper, 52, and his wife of twenty-two years, Helen Cooper, 49, were discovered about 8:30 AM by family friend, Hope Thompson, who was meeting them to drive to church together. Additionally the bodies of Michael Wilkins, 54, and Thornton Kipp, also 54, were also found.
Pending official autopsies, Fairfax County Police stated the cause of death for all victims was likely multiple stab wounds.
In a statement to police, Mrs. Thompson explained that she arrived to ride to St. Mary’s Parish with Mr. and Mrs. Cooper. When she knocked on the door, no one answered which Thompson found “unusual.” Checking the doorknob, it was unlocked and Thompson entered the home where she discovered the grisly scene.
Missing is the Coopers’ 19 year old daughter, Iris. She had left days before to return to Illinois State College, but the college reported that she had not been heard from on campus.
Asked if she was a suspect, police responded that they had no reason to suspect she was responsible, however, they hoped she could be found before hearing of her parents’ deaths on the news.
"Seems that she and her friends had planned a bit of a road trip before returning to school," the anonymous police source explained. “At the moment there’s nothing abnormal or suspicious about Iris Cooper’s disappearance. However every effort is being made to contact her.”
Harold Cooper was the co-owner of a small, local consulting firm. For years he worked at CIO of Energex, a high-profile energy company, but retired to start his own business. Both he and his wife were active in civic and church affairs.
“It’s a shame,” neighbor Jane Willis stated, “They were such refined folks.” read more
