Fred Cooper Speaks? Fact or Fiction

The Fred Cooper case takes another unusual turn?

A viewer wrote to me today to inform me about a web forum post made (allegedly) by Fred Cooper's grandmother. The letter is said to be an open letter Cooper sent her to post on the internet... to his "fans."

First read the post:

"I would like to thank those of you that have supported my innocence and have chosen not to buy into what the LCSO would have you believe. As my trial gets closer there will be evidence brought to light that the LCSO doesn't want you to know yet. For example; certain reports were purposely left out of the information leaked to the media (by the LCSO). When I was arrested on January 11th the LCSO held a press conference stating that they had Positively identified my DNA under one of Michelle Andrews fingernails. They also led people to believe that my jacket was covered in blood. Neither of those statements having any truth to them, and their own laboratories have proven this. I am innocent of all charges brought against me and their own lab reports will prove this in court. I would just like to thank those of you that have kept an open mind and have chosen to wait until the evidence (or lack thereof) is presented and not believe everything the LCSO would say without question. Once everything is brought to light in this case, I am certain the public will have a hard time believing anything the LCSO has to say.I also want to thank those of you who have offered to set up a fund in my behalf. Although I could not accept it, I appreciate your offer of kindness.Your thoughts and prayers mean a great deal to me and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

WOW! Right?

I immediately called Cooper's public defender to verify the authenticity of the post. After all, you would think someone being held on two first degree murder charges would first clear this kind of message with their attorney first.

News of the post not only surprised Public Defender Ken Garber... he asked where can he could find this "letter." I sent him a copy and a link. After allowing him time to review I called Garber back to verify if his client had written the letter. Garber says he wants to think it over before he responds.

So unfortunately there is no confirmation yet whether Cooper is really breaking his silence. Almost everyone I've spoken to about the post believe it to be fiction. Their comments include "It's too well written" and "Come on... a fund for Cooper!?"

Part of us in the media wants to believe Cooper is speaking out. Especially since no one directly related to this case has spoken out (Cooper's mother, Kellie Ballew, the Andrews, the Kokoras).
However the timing of this letter seems a bit odd to me... as if someone is trying to ensure that Cooper's case is moved out of the area. We (the media) go nuts about his letter, broadcast it, print it, and a judge sees how "Cooper Crazy" Southwest Florida is.

We're not broadcasting it until the letter is authenticated.

See you in court on August 21st. (Decision day)
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UPDATE AUGUST 22, 2006

Ken Garber has opted to not comment on the letter "allegedely posted" by Fred's grandmother.

It looks like decision day... could now be any day or never.