Vigil for Indy woman killed by her husband

INDIANAPOLIS – The community remembers one of their own who lost her life due to domestic violence.

Dozens gathered at Marian University Amphitheater Friday night to remember 26-year-old Amber Morgan.

“This is an unbelievable travesty. I would never want to subject any parent to this,” said Matthew Officer, Amber’s stepfather.

Two weeks have passed and the pain is still fresh. Her family and friends are now faced with questions that they will probably never get a proper answer to.

“There is a certain amount of anger, frustration and regret that something like this could not have been foreseen,” Officer said.

It all happened on Saturday, June 1, when police were called to a home on Armory Drive.

When they entered the building, they found Amber beaten beyond recognition, with her throat slit and shot.

According to court documents, her husband, Robert Cooley, told police that day:

“I took my wife’s life. I did something bad. I have to go to prison.”

Representatives of organizations committed to combating domestic violence spoke at the vigil on Friday evening.

“Amber did everything she should have done. She asked for help, asked how to get a divorce, asked how to get the resources she needed, and unfortunately he took her life before she had the chance,” said Kelly McBride, executive director of the Domestic Violence Network.

Amber was a young mother and kindergarten teacher who was remembered by all family members as a friend.

“Amber had the heart of a hero,” Officer said. “Amber was love personified. She exceeded everything that was expected of her.”

And now the bereaved hope to raise awareness and offer support to other victims of domestic violence.

“We’re asking the community to support each other to find help, to seek help, to find better and healthy ways to cope. Hug your loved ones,” Officer said.

Cooley has been charged with murder and is scheduled to go on trial in July.