Man charged in Door County sexual assault, murder headed for trial

STURGEON BAY (AP) -- An Illinois man charged with killing a woman and her unborn child at a Door County resort is headed to trial.

Brian Cooper appeared in court in Sturgeon Bay Tuesday, September 11th on two counts of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of third-degree sexual assault. He was bound over for trial.

The 35-year-old Plainfield, Ill., man is accused of strangling 22-year-old Alisha Bromfield at the Sand Bay Beach Resort near Sturgeon Bay last month. Authorities say the two were in Door County for a wedding and that Bromfield rebuffed Cooper's attempt at a romantic relationship. A criminal complaint says Cooper choked Bromfield and then sexually assaulted her.

Investigators say Cooper tried to commit suicide before calling 911. Cooper is due back in court Sept. 20.

Related stories: