SAN DIEGO

The jury in the murder trial of Kevin Cooper was admonished to disregard “Die Cooper!” and “Kevin Cooper must be hanged” graffiti outside the courtroom. Questioned by Superior Court Judge Richard C. Garner, some jury members said they had seen the graffiti opposite the San Diego courtroom where the trial in the Chino Hills slayings is being held. None responded when the judge asked if the words would influence their decisions. Cooper, 27, an escapee from the California Institution for Men at Chino, is charged with hacking and stabbing Douglas and Peggy Ryen, their daughter, Jessica, and a visiting neighbor to death in June.