Alameda County prosecutors have filed murder charges against a third defendant in connection with the shooting death of an Oakland police officer, who was killed last month while responding to a robbery complaint, according to the district attorney's office. .
On Friday, prosecutors filed murder charges against Marquise Cooper in the killing of Officer Tuan Le, 34, authorities said. Cooper is being held without bail and is scheduled to have an initial court appearance Tuesday, jail records show.
Earlier this month, prosecutors announced they had filed murder charges against Mark Demetrious Sanders, 27, and Allen Starr Brown, 28, for their roles in the slaying. A fourth defendant, Sebron Ray Russell, 28, was charged with robbery, according to a statement from the Alameda County district. Lawyer. Pamela Price.
“I will bring the full weight of my office to bear against these individuals who we believe callously and senselessly murdered an officer,” Price said.
Le, an undercover officer, was shot dead inside an unmarked police vehicle while responding to a theft report on the morning of Dec. 29, police said. She was 36 years old.
Oakland Police Officers Association. President Barry Donelan described the killing as an ambush and said Le and his accompanying officer, who suffered minor injuries, “were taken completely by surprise” and “never had the opportunity to draw their service weapons.”
Born in Vietnam, Le immigrated to Oakland and graduated from the police academy in 2020, according to a tribute posted on the city of Oakland's website.
“Officer Le was a devoted husband to his wife,” the tribute reads. “His passing leaves a void in the law enforcement community, in the city of Oakland and in the hearts of those who knew him.”
