INDIANAPOLIS — The community is remembering one of their own who lost her life to domestic violence.
Dozens gathered Friday night at Marian University’s Amphitheatre to remember 26-year-old Amber Morgan.
“This is such an unbelievable travesty. Something I would never want any parent to experience themselves,” said Matthew Officer, Amber’s stepfather.
It’s been two weeks, and the pain is still fresh. Her family and friends are now left with questions that will likely never get real answers.
“There’s a certain amount of anger, frustration and regret for not being able to foresee something like this happening,” said Officer.
It all happened on Saturday, June 1 when police were called to a home on Armory Drive.
Once they got inside they found Amber beaten beyond recognition with her throat slashed and shot to death.
Court documents show her husband Robert Cooley told police that day:
“I took my wife’s life. I did something bad. I need to go to jail.”
Domestic violence advocates spoke at Friday night’s vigil.
“Amber was doing everything she should have been doing. She was reaching out asking for help, asking how to get a divorce, asking how to obtain the resources, and unfortunately, he took her life before she got the chance to do that,” said Kelly McBride, the executive director of the Domestic Violence Network.
Amber was a new mother and a kindergarten teacher who family members remember as a friend to everyone.
“Amber had the heart of a champion,” said Officer. “Amber was love personified. She would go above and beyond in any and everything expected of her.”
And now, those left behind hope to raise awareness and support for other victims of domestic violence.
“We’re asking the community to lean on one another to find help, seek help, find better ways to cope, healthy ways to cope. Hug your loved ones,” said Officer.
Cooley was charged with murder. He’s set for a jury trial in July.
