Pasadena Murder Case Proceeded to Pretrial Hearing
A defendant charged in a 2023 fatal park shooting faces upcoming legal proceedings.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Violence
Aaron Miguel Conell remains set for a pretrial hearing following the 2023 murder of 64-year-old Mickey Cooper at a Pasadena park. A judge previously determined there was sufficient evidence to advance the case to trial.
Why it matters
The case carries significant legal implications as the defendant faces multiple felony charges, including murder and attempted murder, with a potential sentence of over 50 years to life in prison.
Aaron Miguel Conell is charged with one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a firearm. The case is moving toward trial after a judge ruled in May 2026 that sufficient evidence existed to proceed.
The players
Aaron Miguel Conell
He is the 26-year-old defendant currently facing murder and attempted murder charges.
Mickey Cooper
He was the 64-year-old victim who was killed during a shooting at a local park.
Rupa S. Goswami
She is the judge who determined the evidence was sufficient to advance the case to trial.
The details
Mickey Cooper was fatally shot while sleeping in a gazebo at Washington Park on East Washington Boulevard in November 2023. Aaron Miguel Conell, age 26, entered a not guilty plea for all charges in February 2024 and remains the primary suspect in the investigation.
Timeline
November 18, 2023: Mickey Cooper was fatally shot at Washington Park.
February 15, 2024: Aaron Miguel Conell pleaded not guilty to all charges.
May 1, 2026: Judge Rupa S. Goswami found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
September 22, 2026: A pretrial hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
Legal Context
The progression of this case aligns with the California penal code requirements for preliminary hearing evidentiary standards. This legal process ensures that sufficient evidence exists before a defendant is forced to undergo a full criminal trial.
The resolution of this case is a matter of ongoing concern for local residents, as the incident occurred in a public space at Washington Park. The proceedings help clarify the safety status of the local area following the 2023 tragedy.
The takeaway
This case highlights the rigorous legal process required to pursue justice for violent crimes. Residents are reminded to remain observant of their surroundings when using public facilities.
What happens next
The pretrial hearing is set to take place on September 22, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Pasadena Courthouse in Department C.
Further reading
For more information on crime trends in the city, visit the Pasadena Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pasadena Now.
