Bay City man, 50, found guilty of 1978 slaying

PONTIAC (AP) -- A 50-year-old car salesman from Bay City has been found guilty in the execution-style slaying of a Detroit-area man more than 30 years ago. An Oakland County jury found Wilbern Cooper guilty Tuesday of first-degree murder in the 1978 killing of Farmington Hills resident David McKillop. Cooper told McKillop's family and friends he didn't kill or even know the victim. The Detroit Free Press reports jurors deliberated less than three hours. Prosecutors say Cooper shoot McKillop in the head seven times. They say McKillop's roommate was the intended target. The Detroit News reports Cooper was 17 at the time of the killing. He'll be sentenced to life in prison without parole on May 25. Defense attorney Jerome Sabbota tells The Oakland Press Cooper will pursue an appeal. Published: Thu, May 12, 2011