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The Valley News

Copyright (c) The Valley News
03/10/2001

Sentencing begins healing for Diana Cooper’s family
by Andrew Henderson

Shackled Matthew Maxson (right) awaits sentencing as two Oswego County Sheriff Department officers stand guard. Maxson was sentenced to 15 years-to-life by Judge John J. Elliott. - Valley News photo by Andrew Henderson

The sentencing of Diana Cooper’s murderer might serve as the starting point for her family’s long, painful healing process.

Matthew Maxson, 19, of Lockport, was sentenced Thursday to 15 years-to-life in state prison and fined $826.35 for the murder of Fulton’s Diana Cooper last May. He was indicted on a second-degree murder charge

"I want to give an apology to the family of Diana Cooper," Maxson said before the court. "I am truly sorry."

During the sentencing Diana Cooper’s daughters, Kimberley McMillan and April Searor, read statements before the court and to Maxson personally.

Mrs. Searor, who was the first person at the scene of the murder, said she cannot remove the image of the death from her memory.

"Every day I relive that vision," she cried. "My mother was my best friend. I can’t erase that vision."

Mrs. Searor said she now has baseball bats placed throughout her house because she is afraid to open doors.

"My life and my family’s lives have suffered," she said. "My marriage has suffered."

She said that since Maxson had taken away her mother and her children’s grandmother, the holidays will now always include one empty seat.

"You are a sorry excuse for a human being," Mrs. Searor said to Maxson. "I hope you rot in hell; even that will be too good for you."

As far as the sentence, Mrs. Searor said the only sentence Maxson should deserve was the same thing he did to her mother, but with more suffering.

Mrs. McMillan said it is hard trying to live out her Christian faith because of what Maxson had done. She said she’s coping by being with her family.

"It’s hard to explain to an eight-year-old... why their grandmother isn’t coming over anymore," she said.

Nine months have passed and Mrs. McMillan said she still has the urge to call her mother.

"I have to tell myself she’s not here... because of somebody’s stupidity," she said.

Emil Rossi, Maxson’s attorney, acknowledged that the case has been the most difficult that he has ever had. He did say that throughout the whole matter, Maxson has accepted full responsibility.

"He knows that he must be punished and that he should be punished," Rossi said, mentioning that an addiction might have played a part in the murder. "(Drugs) are not an excuse but an explanation."

Ironically, Maxson’s earlier guilty plea bargain probably served in its own way as a starting point for the healing process, Judge J. Elliott said. Since Maxson waived his right to appeal, Diana Cooper’s family has had some sort of closure.

"One question remains to be unanswered and that’s why," the judge said. "Only you can answered that, Matthew."

Judge Elliott said the answer may come in the future.

"It is a question that can be answered," he said.
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Answer it then lol