The Murder of Sameena Imam: Roger and David Cooper’s Chloroform Plot
Sameena Imam was a 34 year old Costco marketing manager from Cardiff. She was described by the people who loved her as kind, joyful, and full of life. On Christmas Eve 2014, Sameena left work believing she was beginning a two night holiday stay with Roger Cooper, a coworker with whom she had been having a secret relationship.
Roger led Sameena to believe that he would leave his long term partner for her. Instead of taking her to Birmingham for the holiday break she expected, he drove her from Coventry to his brother David Cooper’s home in Leicester. Sameena was reported missing after she did not return to her family for Christmas.
The Relationship Between Sameena Imam and Roger Cooper
Sameena and Roger had been involved for about two years. At trial, the evidence showed that Roger was also involved with other women and feared that Sameena would expose the affair. Prosecutors said he began planning to kill her at least a month before Christmas Eve.
The brothers used Star Wars related code in messages discussing the plan. They purchased toxic materials and prepared a burial location at an allotment in Leicester. The case revealed a level of planning that went far beyond a spontaneous act.
The Christmas Eve Murder Plot
Prosecutors said that Roger and David overpowered Sameena at David’s home. She was killed with chloroform, and tests also found toxic metals in her body. Her body was later found buried at an allotment in Leicester.
The details of the case were difficult for Sameena’s family to process. She had trusted Roger and believed she was beginning a new chapter with him. Instead, the holiday trip became the setting for a carefully planned betrayal.
The Convictions of Roger and David Cooper
Roger Cooper and David Cooper were convicted of murder at Birmingham Crown Court in October 2015. The jury heard evidence about the messages, the chemicals, the burial location, and the planning that preceded Sameena’s death. Both brothers received life sentences with a minimum term of 30 years.
We cover Sameena’s life, the relationship that put her in danger, the coded messages, and the investigation that brought both brothers to justice.
The second half of this episode (beginning at 25:15) is a discussion all about holiday traditions and an end of the year wrap up. This year was a wonderful year for us and we are so thankful for each and every one of you!