Police at Texas Southern University arrested an 18-year-old woman, Zoe Nicole Cooper, on Nov. 15 in connection with the second-degree murder of her former boyfriend, 19-year-old Tadarius Madquise Massey, in Florida. Authorities have not confirmed whether Cooper was enrolled at TSU.
The incident occurred on Aug. 14, 2024, following a heated argument after Massey allegedly refused to let Cooper check his phone. During the altercation, Cooper stabbed Massey multiple times. Witnesses reported that after the attack, Cooper appeared distressed and repeatedly said, “I didn’t mean to.” Friends rushed Massey to the hospital, leaving Cooper to drive the car back to her residence.
Cooper, who had a black eye but no additional injuries, initially cooperated with authorities, claiming the stabbing was an act of self-defense following a prolonged physical altercation. However, inconsistencies in her account and lack of corroborating evidence raised doubts about her version of events. Cooper alleged that Massey stabbed stuffed animals and poured liquor on her during the fight, but investigators were unable to substantiate these claims.
The day after the incident, Cooper posted an Instagram Reel with a photo of herself and Massey, apologizing for her actions in a caption that read: “I don’t expect for anyone to understand my side of the story… if I could take it back or trade places in a heartbeat I would.”
Massey’s autopsy revealed a history of abuse, including two healed stab wounds near his left shoulder from earlier in the year. Fresh injuries from the fatal night included stab wounds to his wrist, forearm, shoulder, and heart, as well as a cut on his forehead and neck scratches indicative of strangulation.
Investigators uncovered evidence of a toxic and abusive relationship. Photos on Massey’s phone showed stab wounds from March, and text messages revealed disturbing threats from Cooper, including, “I’m glad I stabbed you,” “I should have killed you,” and “ima spit in yo grave.”
Massey’s employer at a local Subway recounted that he often came to work with visible injuries and confided in her about being attacked by Cooper. She also noted that Cooper frequently visited Massey’s workplace but didn’t interact with him during these visits.
In December 2023, Cooper allegedly assaulted Massey at Ocoee High School in Florida for refusing to let her check his phone. Witnesses, including a vice principal, corroborated Massey’s claims of previous physical abuse, including being stabbed by Cooper.
Authorities in Florida have not yet confirmed whether Cooper has been extradited to face charges for the crime.
