Prosecutors again charge mother in son’s shooting

Clark County prosecutors have re-charged a woman in the shooting of her adult son after a judge tossed the case last week on a legal technicality.

Prosecutors added one count of stalking in the refiled case against Linda Cooney, 64, who also faces charges of attempted murder, battery with use of a deadly weapon and intimidating a witness.

A preliminary hearing was set for Sept. 18 before Las Vegas Justice of the Peace William Jansen.

District Judge Abbi Silver ruled last week that prosecutors presented prejudicial evidence of a previous domestic violence incident between Linda Cooney and son Kevin Cooney. But the judge said prosecutors could refile their case against Linda Cooney, who was acquitted of murder in the fatal shooting of her ex-husband more than two decades ago in Florida.

Linda Cooney shot Kevin Cooney in June 2011 after they argued over his ex-girlfriend, authorities said. He was hit in the neck and paralyzed.

Her lawyers have said she "continues to steadfastly maintain her innocence."

He has not cooperated with authorities, although he told medical staff that his mother shot him, court documents show.

Kevin Cooney, who worked as a bouncer at nightclubs on the Strip and downtown, is an incomplete quadriplegic, meaning he has some movement in his arms and legs.

According to court testimony, he has improved since the shooting and can speak again.

Authorities said the gun Linda Cooney used to shoot her son was the same one she killed his father with in Florida 21 years ago. A jury acquitted her in his death thanks in part to testimony from Kevin Cooney, who witnessed the shooting.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@review journal.com or 702-380-1039.