Fort Stewart law enforcement—in partnership with the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division—continues the investigation into four individuals found dead inside their on-post home Wednesday, Nov. 15. The deceased are one female soldier, her male spouse, and their two children. 

The deceased have been identified as Staff Sgt. Meiziaha T. Cooper, Desmond Cooper and their children, ages 4 and 9.

Staff Sgt. Cooper joined the Army in October 2012 and served as a culinary noncommissioned officer. Her awards included four Army Commendation Medals and six Army Achievement Medals.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Staff Sgt. Cooper's family, friends and teammates during this very difficult and tragic time,” said 3rd Infantry Division Deputy Commander of Operations Col. Jeremy S. Wilson. “Our community has been shaken by this unspeakable tragedy and out of respect to the family, we ask for privacy to grieve this loss."

Initial findings of the investigation indicate the incident is domestic in nature. 

Fort Stewart Military Police discovered the family dead in their home after requests for a welfare check were made by the soldier’s unit on Nov. 15. Police arrived at the on-post home approximately 2 p.m. to contact the soldier. Law enforcement found the family unresponsive in the home upon making entry.

This is an isolated incident; there is no threat to the Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield community.