Slain Football Coaches Knew Shooter: Investigators

Bodies of Frank Brassel and Echford Cooper were found Wednesday

The two Harvey youth football coaches who were found dead in their home Wednesday afternoon likely knew their killer, investigators said.

The bodies of Frank Brassel, 50, and Echford Cooper, 45, were found in their south suburban home in the 15100 block of South Myrtle.

"Investigators are very confident that the victims did know their shooter, and so it is important to get across that it is not some random act of violence, said Harvey spokeswoman Sandra Alvarado.

Cooper, an amputee who used a wheelchair, lived with Brassel while separated from his wife, said Karen Carter, his sister-in-law.

He leaves behind his wife and three children, including 13 and 17-year-old boys and a 20-year-old daughter.

"He was a very good father. I hope they find out who did this," Carter said.

Brassel spent decades coaching the Harvey Colts, a team in the Pop Warner League.  Cooper was his assistant.

"He was a good person.  He worked with the kids and everything out here.  It's sad," said resident Angela Green.

Harvey's mayor promises closure to the case. 

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