Jan. 13--A Harvey woman is on trial this week, accused of murder after she allegedly helped with the robbery of two youth football coaches before they were shot dead in their home in 2011.
But an attorney for Carri Cook, 28, a self-employed house painter, said during opening arguments at her first-degree murder trial that she was at the Harvey home of Frank Brassel and Echford Cooper because she was hoping to make money through a painting contract "or even sex," but did not plan to rob the men.
"There was a quid pro quo there," said attorney John Paul Carroll on Tuesday, the first day of the trial at the Cook County courthouse in Markham.
Brassel, 50, a longtime coach with the Harvey Colts youth football team, and Cooper, 46, his assistant, were shot to death on April 20, 2011, in the home they shared in the 15100 block of South Myrtle Avenue, authorities said. Cooper, who used a wheelchair, had moved in his with close friend so that Brassel could help take care of him.
Another man, Glen Lewis of Blue Island, 35, also is charged with the murder of the two men. Lewis is due back in Markham court on Feb. 17.
Police at the time said the victims knew the shooter.
Carroll said Brassel on April 19, 2011, approached Cook at a gas station, showed her money and then gave her his card. The two communicated the next day and Brassel invited her to his home.
Cook called a female friend, who brought Lewis and her boyfriend to the house, Carroll said.
Carroll said Cook ran from the house while Lewis and the other man pulled a gun on the two roommates. Carroll said the coaches were shot by the other man after Lewis was shot by one of the victims.
According to court records, the other man is not charged in the deaths of the two coaches but is due in Markham court Feb. 17 for a separate murder case.
Carroll said Cook later helped the wounded Lewis go to the hospital and lied to police about why they were there, Carroll said.
Closing arguments are expected Wednesday.
Nick Swedberg is a freelance reporter.
