Tuesday, June 06, 2000
Murder-for-hire sentences: 40+ years
By Susan Vela
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LONDON, Ky. — Two brothers who conspired to kill Ryle High School teacher Sarah K. Jackson were sentenced Monday to serve more than four decades in federal prison.
Nevertheless, Ms. Jackson continues to fear for her life.
“There was an attempt on her life,” said her attorney, Phil Taliaferro of Covington.
“... I think she'll always be fearful. (U.S. District Judge Jennifer B. Coffman) gave appropriate sentences.”
In February, a U.S. District Court jury in Covington convicted Randall Cope, 42, of Benton, and Terry Cope, 44, of Hendersonville, Tenn., of hiring a supposed contract killer to murder Ms. Jackson, who is Randall Cope's ex-lover, and Elizabeth and Ronald Nimmo, Terry Cope's ex-wife and her new husband, of Tennessee.
The Copes also were convicted of charges stemming from Jan. 22, 1999, when Ms. Jackson's car was shot at while she and her teen-age son were leaving their Florence residence. They were not hurt.
Judge Coffman gave a harsher sentence to Randall Cope, a former businessman who sent letters to his brother, a former Northwest Airlines pilot, that indicated a deepening rage against his ex-lover.
He was sentenced to 567 months — or 47 years — in federal prison. It is in addi tion to the two years' he will serve for also sending harassing e-mail messages in 1998, after Ms. Jackson ended their four-year relationship.
They were sent in her name to her friends and co-workers.
Terry Cope was sentenced to 502 months — or almost 42 years — in federal prison.
Federal prosecutors have said Terry Cope shot at Ms. Jackson in January 1999 in retaliation for the testimony she had given and was prepared to give against his brother.
Randall Cope was in Kenton County Jail, awaiting sentencing when he further conspired to kill Ms. Jackson. He asked his cellmate if he knew someone who would kill Ms. Jackson.
The cellmate tipped off the Secret Service.
Sex with student nets prison
Progress against food allergies
Hospital targets food disorders
Grandparents' rights dealt a setback
Excerpts of Supreme Court decision
Archdiocese clears priest in stabbing case
Murder-for-hire sentences: 40+ years
Neighbors' dispute leaves Mason man critical
PULFER: A big gift from the graduate
DUI repeater dies in car chase
More seniors pass proficiency test
Teacher may have uncovered rare D-Day tank
Teacher training changes on deck
SAMPLES: School audit chance for fresh start
Doctors take step to save trashy house
Grads get real-world advice
Pig Parade: Piggy Max
Movie gives Leis two reasons to party
GET TO IT
KIESEWETTER: MTV veteran on network TV Colin Mortensen from MTV's Real World is getting the last laugh.
Troupe stumbles with production of 'Threepenny'
VoiceBox effortlessly mixes musical genres
$4.1M post office opens in Mason
Clerk accused of campaign violation
Enquirer sues for stadium documents
Five up for police chief
GOP picks 2 alternates who gave to Lucas
Greater Cincinnati Digest
Gunman, lawyer killed in shootout
Home for pregnant teens wins appeal
'Horse Mania' to strike
Kentucky Digest
Kids get free meals
New school district has its leader
Poet's visit speaks volumes
Pollution labels to last longer
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
Reading schools hire junior-senior principal
Report blasts city manager
Signs point to litter cleanup
Waste facility drops plan
Welfare eligibility change to benefit hundreds in Ky.
