If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it is important to seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available to provide support and resources 24/7. You can call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) to receive assistance. Remember, you are not alone and there are people ready to help you.
Last Friday marked Audri’s sixth week of life, coinciding with the commemoration of her mother’s memorial vigil, which was jointly organized by Morgan’s affiliations with Victory College Prep and Marian University.
According to Matthew Officer, Audri is thriving in her current environment, being held in the loving arms of those around her. Amber, having grown up in a village, has welcomed Audri into her community with open arms. With an abundance of love and care, Audri is undoubtedly an integral part of the village.
At the age of 26, Morgan was a dedicated kindergarten teacher at Victory College Prep. She was also pursuing a Master of Arts in early childhood education and teaching at Marian University with plans to graduate in 2025. At the request of her family, IndyStar is using Morgan’s maiden name.
A man has been arrested in connection with his wife’s killing at their home in north Indianapolis. The suspect reportedly confessed, saying “I did something bad.”
As the officers arrived, they witnessed Robert Cooley, aged 25, walking out of a garage door with bloodstains on his clothes. On seeing the officers, Cooley voluntarily confessed, saying, “I did something bad. I need to go to jail.” According to court records, he did not provide any reasoning behind the assault.
According to Morgan’s stepfather, the family didn’t notice any indications of abuse, but they were aware that the couple had arguments similar to those of young couples going through difficulties.
Morgan’s stepfather expressed his shock and disbelief at the tragic event, stating that there were no indications that could have led to such an outcome. He acknowledged that there would naturally be feelings of anger, frustration, and regret for not being able to detect any warning signs.
According to the Domestic Violence Network’s Kelly McBride, domestic violence is typically a behavior that is learned.
According to the latest statistics, over 42% of women in Indiana have reported experiencing intimate partner violence, making it the fifth-highest percentage in the United States. Shockingly, the rate among men in the state is also high, with almost 28% reporting experiencing intimate partner violence. These numbers are alarming and highlight the need for greater awareness and action to address this issue in Indiana.
According to the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, firearms account for the majority of domestic violence deaths in Indiana. Shockingly, between 2021 and 2022, the rate of firearm-related domestic violence deaths in Indiana soared to an alarming 89%. Across the United States as a whole, more than half of all domestic violence killings involve the use of a gun.
Remember: Where individuals who experience domestic violence can receive assistance in Indianapolis.
Valerie Miller, the K-6 principal at Victory College Prep, expressed that Friday evening was a time to celebrate Amber’s spirit and legacy. Miller also noted that Morgan arrived at work every day with a cheerful disposition.
According to Miller, she went above and beyond to ensure that every child succeeded. Regardless of whether the child was in kindergarten or sixth grade, if she noticed that a child was struggling or having a bad day, she would take the necessary steps to make their day better. Her dedication to her students was truly remarkable.
In order to express their gratitude to the community for remembering Amber and offer resources related to domestic violence, the family has established a website, AmberandAudri.com.
Morgan’s stepfather spoke highly of Amber, describing her as someone with the heart of a champion and who embodied love. He also mentioned that Amber had an effortless way of making everything look easy, and went on to say that her work ethic was a huge source of inspiration for him.
As of now, Cooley is still in custody and his trial with a jury is scheduled for July 29, 2024.
If you are a victim of intimate partner violence or stalking, it is essential to have a safety plan in place. You can access a safety plan template at thehotline.org. In case of an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911.