Police: No suspect in Cooper killing

CARY -- Police investigating the slaying of Nancy Cooper obtained a search warrant today to collect DNA evidence from her husband and to search the couple's cars and home in Cary's Lochmere subdivision.

Police have not named a suspect or person of interest in the slaying of Cooper, 34, whose body was discovered Monday evening at a construction site.

However, Police Chief Pat Bazemore said at a news conference this morning that officers obtained a search warrant about 2 a.m. today allowing them to take forensic evidence from Cooper's husband, Brad. Generally such evidence includes hair, blood and saliva samples.

The search warrant also allowed police to search the couple's homes and cars.

"The moment that we announced that this was a murder, it was important that we secure the home as a possible crime scene," Bazemore said.

She said Brad Cooper, who works in Research Triangle Park, has been cooperative. He is staying with friends, and a police officer has been assigned to remain with him, she said.

"We still are with Mr. Cooper, and we will continue to be as long as we feel it is necessary," Bazemore said.

Police previously searched the home and cars with Brad Cooper's permission. But the search warrants allowed a more exhaustive search, Bazemore said.

She declined to say how Nancy Cooper died, saying that remained part of the investigation. She also turned aside other questions about evidence in the case, saying she did not want to say anything that would jeopardize the investigation.

She asked the public to share with police any information they have about Nancy Cooper that would assist in the investigation.

"As you know, the investigation is as important for ruling things out as it is for ruling things in," she said.

Bazemore reiterated that the killing was not random and that Cary's residents have nothing to fear. "We do not believe this case is connected to any other cases," Bazemore said. "We do believe it is an isolated incident."

Nancy Cooper's parents, sister and brother attended the news conference but declined to take questions.

Brad Cooper has acknowledged that he and his wife were having marital difficulties. He told police that she went jogging at 7 a.m. Saturday and did not return. A friend reported her missing later that day.