Central Ohio Crime Stoppers offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of an Ohio woman who hasn’t been seen in nearly three years.
According to the FBI, 33-year-old Sacoya Cooper was last seen on August 31, 2021, while leaving her partner’s home in North Linden. She is believed to have driven off in a 2009 black Ford Fusion. She reportedly left to get bottled water but never returned.
In October, police found the car abandoned on the West side of the city, with stolen license plates attached.
The Columbus Dispatch reports that police think foul play is involved in Cooper’s disappearance. It’s unclear what, if any, evidence was found inside the car, but Columbus police Det. Chuck Radich announced in September 2022 that he feels there are witnesses who could help lead to Cooper.
“We believe that there are witnesses in the community that could bring closure for the family,” Radich said.
#Columbus, Ohio: 33y/o Devin M. Cooper, who also goes by the name Sacoya, missing since 8/31.Last seen on the north side of Columbus in the area of Howey Rd & Weldon Ave.
Cooper is 5’5,”145lbs, wearing a blk/wht dress & blk/wht sandals. Hair braided.#HelpUsFindDevinCooper pic.twitter.com/8nPRZvuCz6
— Blk & Missing FDN (@BAM_FI) October 20, 2021
Police said that Cooper’s real name is Devin Cooper. However, she is a transgender woman and no longer goes by “Devin.”
“We just want some closure — the agony, the sleepless nights. We ask that if anyone has any information can you please help, please reach out,” Cooper’s friend, Bre Belcher, said during a September 2002 press conference. “This is somebody’s child — this is a human.
Police believe Cooper was last seen near Howey Road and Weldon Avenue, close to East Weber Road and Cleveland Avenue, on the Northeast side of the city.
She’s described as a Black female who stands 5-feet-5-inches tall and weighs around 145 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a black and white summer dress, black and white Baby Phat sandals and black lemonade braids.
“The world revolves around money, so maybe this reward being out there maybe will give a little push, a little umph, to do something,” Belcher said. “It does give hope, but it’s been a year — it’s going to be a miracle to even believe that she’s still amongst us today.”
Anyone with information on Cooper is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS or send tips online at www.stopcrime.org. Crime Stoppers tips are anonymous and “a special coding system is used to provide the reward,” the Dispatch reports.
Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Sacoya Cooper/FBI]
