What was meant to be the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in their lives turned into an unimaginable nightmare. Instead of preparing to welcome a child into the world, the family of 19-year-old Promise Cooper is now mourning not only her tragic death but also the loss of her unborn baby. Authorities say her boyfriend, 22-year-old Tristan Stoner, is responsible for the fatal shooting that ended both their lives on the night of February 11, 2024, in Oklahoma.

The case has left the local community in shock, with many wondering how a relationship that should have been built on love and trust could take such a dark and irreversible turn. What led to this horrifying act? Was there a pattern of abuse that could have signaled the impending violence? And could this tragedy have been prevented? As investigators dig deeper into the final moments of Promise Cooper’s life, a chilling story of alleged domestic turmoil, a desperate 911 call, and a web of conflicting statements is beginning to unfold.

The Tragic Night: A Call for Help That Came Too Late

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on February 11, emergency responders rushed to an address in Oklahoma after receiving a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they found Promise Cooper gravely wounded, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Though paramedics worked frantically to stabilize her, her condition quickly deteriorated. She was transported to a nearby hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical personnel, she succumbed to her injuries. The baby she was carrying, who was only a few months away from birth, also did not survive.

As the community reeled from the tragedy, disturbing details began to emerge. Just hours before she was shot, Cooper had reached out to authorities for help. She had called 911, alleging that she was being harassed by her boyfriend, Tristan Stoner, over her pregnancy. Her voice, described as distressed by dispatchers, suggested that she was deeply fearful for her safety.

While police took note of her complaint, there was no immediate intervention. Instead, Cooper remained at the residence where she would later be fatally wounded. Now, many are questioning whether her desperate call for help should have been handled differently—and if law enforcement could have intervened before it was too late.

Conflicting Stories: A Web of Deception

When police arrived at the scene, they were met by Tristan Stoner, who appeared distraught. Initially, he told authorities that the couple had been ambushed by an unknown assailant in another vehicle. According to his first statement, they had been driving when an unidentified gunman pulled up beside them and fired shots, striking Cooper. He claimed to have immediately called for help, but his story was riddled with inconsistencies from the beginning.

Investigators quickly noticed contradictions in Stoner’s version of events. The physical evidence at the crime scene didn’t align with the scenario he described. There were no signs of another vehicle, no shell casings from an outside shooter, and no eyewitnesses to corroborate his account of a drive-by shooting.

As officers pressed him further, Stoner’s story began to unravel. Faced with mounting evidence, he eventually changed his account and admitted to firing the shot that killed Cooper. However, he claimed the shooting was accidental. According to his revised statement, he had been handling the firearm when it unintentionally discharged, striking his girlfriend in the chest.

Prosecutors, however, were not convinced. The severity of the gunshot wound, the angle of entry, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting all suggested something far more sinister. Investigators believe that rather than being a tragic accident, the shooting was a deliberate act fueled by tension between the couple, particularly regarding Cooper’s pregnancy.

The Investigation: Uncovering a Troubled Relationship

As detectives delved deeper into the couple’s history, troubling patterns of behavior began to emerge. Friends and family members of Promise Cooper came forward with heartbreaking accounts of a volatile relationship fraught with manipulation, controlling behavior, and alleged abuse.

One of Cooper’s closest friends, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted multiple instances in which she had expressed concerns about Stoner’s temper. According to the friend, Cooper had confided that Stoner was growing increasingly hostile about her pregnancy. “She was excited to be a mom, but he wasn’t on the same page,” the friend revealed. “He kept telling her she wasn’t ready, that it would ruin their lives. She was scared of what he might do.”

Other acquaintances described seeing bruises on Cooper in the weeks leading up to the shooting, raising further suspicions about ongoing domestic violence. Yet, as is tragically common in abusive relationships, Cooper reportedly downplayed these incidents, assuring her loved ones that things would get better.

Text messages obtained by authorities further painted a picture of escalating tension. In the days before the shooting, Stoner had allegedly sent Cooper a series of aggressive messages, some of which suggested he was resentful about the pregnancy. Investigators are now looking at these exchanges as potential evidence of premeditation.

Legal Ramifications: What Comes Next for Tristan Stoner?

Following his confession, Stoner was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Under Oklahoma law, second-degree murder applies when a person’s actions result in death due to imminently dangerous conduct, even if they claim the act was unintentional. Prosecutors argue that even if Stoner didn’t intend to kill Cooper in that exact moment, his handling of the firearm and prior threats indicate recklessness that makes him fully culpable.

Additionally, authorities are considering whether to charge him with fetal homicide, given that Cooper’s unborn child was also killed. Oklahoma law recognizes unborn victims of violence, meaning Stoner could potentially face an additional charge for the loss of the baby’s life.

At present, Stoner remains behind bars, held without bail as the legal proceedings move forward. His defense team has not yet publicly outlined their strategy, but they may attempt to argue that the shooting was a tragic accident, hoping to secure a lesser charge such as manslaughter.

Meanwhile, Cooper’s grieving family is calling for the harshest possible punishment, insisting that justice must be served for both Promise and her unborn child. Her mother, through tears, told reporters, “She had her whole life ahead of her. And he took it away in an instant.”

Community in Mourning: The Outcry for Justice

As news of the tragedy spread, the Oklahoma community was left shaken. Vigils were held in memory of Cooper, with mourners leaving candles, flowers, and heartfelt messages at the site where she was shot. Many expressed their anger and sorrow on social media, calling for greater awareness of domestic violence and stronger protections for pregnant women facing abuse.

“Promise was just starting her journey as a mother, and she should still be here today,” one attendee at a candlelight vigil said. “We need to do more to make sure this doesn’t happen to another woman.”

The case has also ignited a broader discussion about the warning signs of intimate partner violence and whether enough was done to protect Cooper after she reached out for help. Domestic violence advocates have pointed to her 911 call as a critical missed opportunity, emphasizing that law enforcement must take reports of harassment and threats more seriously.

Could This Have Been Prevented?

In hindsight, there were multiple warning signs that Cooper was in danger. Her call to 911 was a distress signal, yet no immediate protective measures were put in place. Advocates argue that more robust intervention—such as a temporary restraining order or a mandatory check-in—could have potentially changed the course of events that night.

This tragedy underscores the need for a more proactive approach to domestic violence cases. Experts stress that education, awareness, and stronger legal protections are essential in preventing similar tragedies. “The signs were there,” said a domestic violence specialist. “Now it’s up to society to learn from this and ensure that next time, help arrives before it’s too late.”

As the trial of Tristan Stoner looms, one question remains at the forefront: Will justice be served for Promise Cooper and her unborn child? Only time will tell, but for now, the community stands in unity, demanding accountability and change.