Son of murder victim faces mom’s accused killer in court

ORLANDO, Fla. — An Orlando man charged with his wife’s murder could soon be institutionalized.

David Tronnes is accused of killing Shanti Cooper-Tronnes in 2018.

A doctor for the defense and another doctor for the state have determined he is incompetent to stand trial.

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Shanti’s young son was in court for the first time Thursday to face the suspected killer.

Jackson Cooper was just 8 years old when his mother was killed. He is now 12 and told Channel 9 he misses everything about his mom.

He is also still waiting for justice.

Looking gaunt and pale, a long-haired Tronnes walked into court.

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This was the first time since his arrest that Jackson was there to see him in person.

“It’s good because I know he’s not doing good at all,” Jackson said. “The state of him, he looks horrible.”

Jackson watched as attorneys for both the defense and prosecution talked about Tronnes’ mental state.

“Both doctors have agreed in their reports that the defendant is incompetent to proceed and recommended he be committed,” said state prosecutor Will Jay.

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The judge will make the final decision, but it’s likely Tronnes will be sent to a mental institution, pushing the trial back again.

For Jackson, it is another delay in what has already been a long wait for justice. He also believes Tronnes incompetence is an act.

“He wasn’t crazy when he did it,” Jackson said. “He’s just trying to get out of it because he thinks he’s going to get into a mental hospital and play around.”

This lengthy process is just one of many things he is learning to live with now that his mother is gone.

See more in the video above.

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