HOUSTON — An 18-year-old Texas Southern University student was arrested Friday in Houston.
Zoe Cooper was accused of stabbing her boyfriend to death in Orlando, Florida last August. Cooper faces second-degree murder charges in the death of 19-year-old Tadarius Massey, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
TSU police arrested Cooper off campus. TSU said the arrest happened without incident within 24 hours of Florida authorities contacting them.
She had been wanted for several months in connection with the August 14 incident. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the fatal altercation began when Massey wouldn't allow Cooper to see his phone at her Orlando residence.
Court documents state that after a physical confrontation between the couple, Cooper armed herself with a knife and stabbed Massey. She then drove him to the hospital but left without exiting the vehicle. Massey died before deputies arrived. An autopsy revealed stab wounds to his heart and left shoulder.
The day following the incident, Cooper posted on social media: "If I could take it back or trade place in a heartbeat I would #LLTD, I love u always I'm truly sorry for what I did it wasn't supposed to be this way."
Questions remain about the months-long delay in Cooper's arrest and potential extradition to Florida.
The Houston Area Women's Center said "over 1 in 4 men (28.5%) in the US have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime."
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women's Center offers help supports all survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. Their 24/7 Crisis Hotline is 713-528-2121.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.