A mother has been handed a life sentence for the horrifying murder of her toddler son, whose lifeless body was tragically discovered in a river.

The chilling narrative unfolded in Cobb County, Georgia, where Breyanla Lachuan Cooper, a 29-year-old mother, entered a guilty plea to the charges of malice murder, aggravated assault, and concealing the death of another. The sentence, a life term in prison, was delivered by Judge Kellie S. Hill, marking the end of a harrowing chapter in the lives of those affected by this heinous crime, according to Cobb County Government website.

The magnitude of Cooper's crime was underscored by Cobb County District Attorney Flynn D. Broady, Jr. He expressed his disbelief and commitment to justice, stating, "It is unimaginable for anyone to take the life of a child least of all his own mother. We are committed to obtaining justice for all victims. We will hold all who are responsible accountable."

The unveiling of a gruesome crime

The grim tale began to unravel on the morning of July 1, 2021. Firefighters from Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services were participating in a community event at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. During the event, they spotted something floating in the water. Upon closer examination, they were horrified to discover the body of a deceased toddler, who was later identified as 19-month-old Faheem Cooper.

Following the media's coverage of the toddler's recovery, Breyanla Cooper reached out to the Cobb County Police Department (CCPD) non-emergency line, hoping to identify the body.

In her initial interaction with the detectives, Cooper spun a tale of debt and fear. She claimed that a man had abducted her son because she owed him money. She further stated that she had been too terrified to tell anyone or report the incident. Instead, she had left the motel where her son was allegedly taken and moved to a new one. However, surveillance footage from both motels showed no evidence of Faheem or the alleged kidnapping.

The unraveling of a web of lies

As the detectives dug deeper, they interviewed Cooper's mother, who had last seen her grandson on June 26, 2021. She provided crucial details about the car Cooper was driving. When the detectives obtained the GPS data from the vehicle, it revealed that Cooper had been at the Chattahoochee River on the same day, from 5:57 pm to 8:08 pm. It was during this time that Cooper committed the unthinkable act of killing her son and leaving his body in the river.

Cooper was arrested for the murder of her son six days later on July 1, 2021. A search of her cell phone revealed searches for foster care and the Chattahoochee River in June. Cooper's older child also disclosed that Cooper had told her that their time with Faheem was over.

During the plea hearing, Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Green expressed her disbelief and horror, stating,

"It is unfathomable that a human being could do this to a baby. It is unspeakable that a mother would do this to her own flesh and blood."

A community left in shock and sorrow

Superior Court Judge Kellie S. Hill expressed her deep sympathy for the family, stating, "I cannot imagine how painful this has got to be for the family. There’s just nothing the court can say or do to make this any better for anybody."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Green and Sarah Hilleren on behalf of the State of Georgia. Jennifer Adams represented Cooper at the plea. This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the unimaginable crimes that can occur within our communities.

The sentencing of Breyanla Lachuan Cooper brings a measure of justice for the innocent life lost, but the pain and sorrow will undoubtedly linger for those who knew and loved young Faheem.

Conclusion

• Breyanla Lachuan Cooper, a 29-year-old mother, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her 19-month-old son, Faheem Cooper.
• The toddler's body was discovered in the Chattahoochee River on July 1, 2021, leading to a series of investigations that eventually pointed to Cooper as the perpetrator.
• Cooper initially spun a tale of abduction due to a debt, but surveillance footage and GPS data contradicted her story, leading to her arrest six days after the body was found.
• The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Green and Sarah Hilleren on behalf of the State of Georgia, leading to Cooper's life sentence.

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