Family Of Slain North Carolina Woman Granted Custody Of Her Children

Cary, N.C. (AHN) -- The parents and twin sister of the slain woman who was found near a retention pond last week have convinced a judge to give them custody of the woman's two children while police investigate her murder.

The decision is piquing further speculation that Nancy Cooper's murderer could have been her husband, Brad Cooper.

Police have not named him a suspect or person of interest, and have said that he has been fully cooperative in answering questions, giving DNA samples, and allowing investigators to search the couple's home and cars.

Still, in the petition for custody, Nancy Cooper's parents, Garry and Donna Rentz, and her twin, Krista Lister, painted a bleak picture of Brad Cooper.

The accusations are that Brad was having an extra-marital affair, that he was emotionally abusive toward Nancy, belittling her in front of their children, aged 4 and 2, and that he withheld money from her so that she, a home maker, was forced to borrow money from her family to buy groceries and basic necessities. The petition also stated that Brad had attempted to commit suicide as a teen, and had threatened suicide this past winter.

The affidavit states that the family doesn't believe that Nancy went jogging the day she was reported missing by a friend, as Brad claims.

Nancy Cooper was reported missing on July 12. Her body was found two days later by a man walking his dog. Police have not released the cause of death, but immediately ruled the death a homicide.