INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis woman was handed a 78-year prison sentence on Friday for her role in a shooting death that took place June 7, 2023.
As stated in previous reports, Monique Cooley was initially convicted of the murder of then-33-year-old Michael Hess in November, following a two-day jury trial. On Friday, she received two enhancements to her sentencing for being a habitual offender and for using a firearm to commit the murder.
The 2023 shooting took place on the 2400 block of N. Kenyon Street on Indianapolis's east side. According to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, Cooley pulled her vehicle up to Hess while he was outside with several neighbors — including children.
Hess was holding a small child, the MCPO said. Yet before long, Cooley asked someone else to hold the child before she fired multiple shots at Hess.
Per the MCPO, multiple witnesses helped identify Cooley. Investigators were then able to track her down through witnesses' help, surveillance videos and cell phone records.
"This case was solved due to our community stepping up and doing the right thing on behalf of Michael Hess," said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. "It was their cooperation at the scene and their willingness to show up for trial that ultimately sealed this conviction."