Suspect in Pasadena Murder Case of Former Lakers Brother Schedule for Court Wednesday

A hearing Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. will set a preliminary hearing date for Aaron Miguel Conell, 24, charged with murdering the 64-year-old younger brother of former Los Angeles Lakers star Michael Cooper last year.

The proceeding in Department H of the Pasadena Courthouse stems from the November 18, 2023 shooting death of Mickey Cooper at Washington Park, where Cooper was found with multiple gunshot wounds at approximately 4:00 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene.

Conell, a Pasadena resident, faces one count each of murder, attempted murder, and assault with a semiautomatic firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 50 years to life in state prison.

Police arrested Conell less than 24 hours after the murder, initially booking him on an unrelated assault with a firearm charge. Murder charges were added on November 20 as investigators gathered more evidence.

Investigators allegedly recovered a 9-millimeter semiautomatic firearm from Conell’s vehicle, which police believe was used in multiple shootings. Police have found no connection between Conell and any of his alleged victims.

The murder charge is part of a series of apparently random violent incidents. Prosecutors say Conell shot a man in the neck, causing life-threatening injuries, at Washington Park on October 29, 2023 at approximately 2:00 a.m. On November 5 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Conell allegedly pointed a gun at a driver at a Pasadena gas station.

“Aaron Conell is diabolically evil, that’s the only motive we’ve come up with so far,” said Lt. Keith Gomez of the Pasadena Police Department.

Former NBA great Michael Cooper described his slain brother as a gentle, loving person who struggled with drug addiction and often slept at Washington Park. He expressed gratitude to the Pasadena Police Department for their swift action in the case.

Conell, who has no prior felony convictions but one misdemeanor conviction and no gang affiliations, remains in custody with bail set at $4.25 million.