Robert Cooley was sentenced to 45 years in prison for murdering his wife, Amber Cooley, in their Indianapolis home. The crime occurred on June 1, 2024, just five weeks after their child’s birth, involving brutal beating, throat-slitting, and a gunshot to the head.​
Case Details
Amber Cooley, a 26-year-old kindergarten teacher, was found dead upstairs from multiple gunshot wounds, her face beaten beyond recognition and throat slashed. Robert Cooley, 27 at sentencing, immediately confessed to police upon their arrival, saying “I did something bad” and “I took my wife’s life,” then detailed the beating, cutting, and shooting in a post-Miranda interview.
Prior Abuse and Motive
Amber’s parents reported Robert’s verbal abuse over their five-year relationship; the day before her death, she sought divorce papers from her mother. Her father believed Robert confronted her about it, leading to the fatal reaction when she spoke her mind.
Legal Outcome
Marion County Superior Judge Cynthia L. Oetjen imposed the 45-year term after Cooley’s guilty plea to murder, avoiding trial, with credit for 614 days served plus 205 days good time. An infant—their newborn—was found safe at the scene.​
