Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Wife’s Murder in Spring

42-year-old Ralph Leroy Cooper was sentenced to 50 years in prison this week for the murder of his wife, Rhonda Rochelle Williams, in Spring back in 2020. Cooper pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced by a judge on Wednesday after fatally shooting Williams just before 9 p.m. on August 25, 2020.

The incident occurred at a relative’s home in Spring, where Cooper was staying at the time. Cooper and Williams, who lived in Rosharon with their 3-year-old son, got into an argument that escalated into violence. Cooper chased Williams around the house with a gun before shooting her multiple times, including once in the head, as she tried to flee outside.

After the murder, Cooper fled the scene in a black Cadillac CTS. He was later arrested and pleaded guilty to murder in January. Assistant District Attorney Kelly Marshall, who prosecuted the case, stated that Williams did everything she could to get away, which was recorded on surveillance cameras.

“She was running for her life, trying to get away,” Marshall said. “Once they got outside, and she was trapped between two houses, the defendant walked up to her and shot her in the head while she begged for her life. After she fell, he shot at her two more times and walked away nonchalantly.”

Marshall highlighted that Cooper had previous convictions for assaulting two other women before marrying Williams. Cooper must serve at least half of his 50-year sentence before he is eligible for parole. Additionally, he faces pending charges in Brazoria County that could extend his prison term.