Cooper v. State

Bell, Justice.

The appellant, Perry Cooper, was tried for the murder of Albert Burnett, and found guilty but mentally ill. He received a life sentence.1 He appeals, and we affirm.

Cooper and his wife, Jacqueline, had been married for fifteen years, but separated in July 1983. Mrs. Cooper and Burnett had dated since January 1983. On August 30, 1983, Mrs. Cooper became ill, and called Burnett at about 10:30 p.m. to take her to a local hospital. Burnett drove Mrs. Cooper, as well as two of her children, to the hospital in her car. Burnett left Mrs. Cooper at the hospital, and then took her…