A Shreveport man pleaded guilty in Caddo District Court Monday, November 28, 2022, to killing a woman in the Highland neighborhood.
Ricky Dewayne Wafer, 36, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the September 18, 2019 gunshot slaying of Princess Cooper, 25. Ms. Cooper was shot at the intersection of Gilbert Drive and Egan Street. After shooting Ms. Cooper, Wafer immediately fled. A Shreveport Police officer patrolling the area heard the shots and responded. The officer attempted to perform lifesaving measures on Ms. Cooper but was unsuccessful. Wafer was arrested a few days later.
Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Wafer pleaded guilty as a habitual offender, based on a 2011 robbery conviction. He was sentenced to an 80-year prison term, the maximum allowed by law, by District Judge Ramona Emanuel.
The case had been set for trial Monday, December 5, 2022.
Assistant District Attorneys Christopher Bowman and Brittany Arvie prosecuted the case. Katie Ferguson and Royal Alexander defended Wafer.