Suspect Charged in Tragic Shooting of Former Lakers Star’s Brother

The individual arrested in connection with the tragic shooting of Mickey Cooper, the brother of former Lakers star Michael Cooper, has faced serious legal charges. Aaron Miguel Conell, a 24-year-old man, was charged with attempted murder and assault with a semiautomatic firearm in separate incidents that occurred in Pasadena. This unsettling news was confirmed by the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office on Wednesday, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

Details of the Shooting Incident at Washington Park

On Monday, Conell was formally charged with the fatal shooting of 64-year-old Mickey Cooper at Washington Park. This location is particularly significant as it is where Conell is also accused of shooting another man in the neck. This earlier incident occurred around 2 a.m. on October 29, when officers responded to reports of gunfire and found a man suffering from life-threatening injuries, raising alarms about safety in the community.

Assault Charges in Connection with Gas Station Incident

Just a week later, around 9:30 p.m., Conell allegedly approached a car at a Pasadena gas station and pointed a firearm at the driver, leading to further charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. This series of violent incidents has raised concerns about escalating crime rates and public safety in the area.

Timeline of Events Leading to Conell’s Arrest

Conell’s arrest took place on the same day he is alleged to have killed Mickey Cooper, just ten houses away from where Michael Cooper described growing up with his brother. The park, once a symbol of safety and comfort for the brothers, has now become the scene of a tragic crime that has shocked the local community.

Michael Cooper Reflects on His Brother’s Life

Michael Cooper expressed profound sorrow over the loss of his brother, stating that Washington Park was a place where Mickey felt safe and at home. “The reason my brother was there is that it was a safe haven for him, a place where he felt comfortable and safe,” he shared, emphasizing the tragic turn of events that led to his brother’s death.

Potential Sentencing and Bail Amount for Conell

If convicted of all charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault with a semiautomatic firearm, Conell faces a significant prison sentence of 50 years to life. His bail has been set at an alarming $4.25 million, reflecting the severity of his alleged actions and the concerns of the community.

Additional Investigations into Conell’s Violent Past

Detectives from the Pasadena Police Department revealed at a news conference that Conell is also a suspect in two other recent shootings, indicating a troubling pattern of behavior. Despite having no prior felony convictions or known gang affiliations, police asserted that Conell’s motives for these violent acts remain unclear, raising further questions about his state of mind.

Community Reaction to the Violence

Pasadena police Lt. Keith Gomez described Conell as “diabolically evil,” suggesting that the nature of these crimes is particularly disturbing. Michael Cooper acknowledged the rapid response of law enforcement in identifying and apprehending Conell, expressing gratitude for their efforts in what has been a challenging time for his family and the community.

Michael Cooper’s Memories of Growing Up in Pasadena

Reflecting on his childhood, Michael Cooper reminisced about playing basketball in Washington Park during the late ’60s and throughout the ’70s and ’80s. He spoke fondly of his brother, describing Mickey as gentle and loving, yet struggling with addiction. “He may have appeared homeless, but he wasn’t. He had a home up in Altadena at my grandmother’s house,” Michael shared, illustrating the complexities of Mickey’s life.

The Brothers’ Upbringing and Community Ties

Raised primarily by their grandmother, Ardessie Butler, after their parents’ divorce, Michael and Mickey attended Pasadena High School. Michael’s basketball career took off when he was drafted by the Lakers, where he achieved great success, including being named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1986-87. He later transitioned into coaching, impacting the sport at various levels.

Community Leaders Address Gun Violence Concerns

L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón extended his condolences to the family of the deceased and emphasized the need for community safety. “These violent senseless acts have no place in our communities, especially at a public park where families could be present,” he stated, reinforcing the collective commitment to tackling gun violence.

Ongoing Safety Discussions and Community Meetings

In light of the rising concerns, city officials, including Pasadena City Council member Justin Jones, plan to hold a town hall meeting to discuss strategies for enhancing safety in Washington Park. As someone who grew up nearby, Jones acknowledged the community’s worries about recent activities in the park, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.

Michael Cooper’s Grief and Community Support

Michael Cooper expressed deep sadness over his brother’s death, recalling fond memories of championship celebrations in the area. “Today I stand here [grieving]. … Mickey didn’t bother anybody. He loved everybody,” he reflected, highlighting the tragedy of losing someone so beloved under such senseless circumstances.