OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) – Alameda County prosecutors have filed murder charges against a third defendant in connection with the fatal shooting of an Oakland police officer last month, court records showed.
Marquise Cooper, 34, has been charged with murder in the killing of Officer Tuan Le, who was shot and killed inside an unmarked police vehicle while responding to a report of a burglary on the morning of Dec. 29, according to authorities.
Earlier this month, prosecutors announced murder charges against Mark Demetrious Sanders, 27, and Allen Starr Brown, 28, for their roles in the killing. A third defendant, Sebron Ray Russell, 28, was charged with burglary, according to a statement from Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price.
“I will leverage the full weight of my office against these people who we believe ruthlessly and wantonly murdered an officer,” Price said.
Le, an undercover officer, had emigrated to Oakland and graduated from the police academy in 2020. He was described as a devoted husband and his passing has left a void in the law enforcement community.
The Oakland Police Officers Association President Barry Donelan has described the killing as an ambush, stating that Le and the officer with him were taken entirely by surprise and never had an opportunity to draw their service weapons.
The tragic loss of Officer Tuan Le has deeply affected the city of Oakland and the law enforcement community. The suspects are scheduled to appear in court and face the charges filed against them. The investigation into this senseless killing continues.