Tragic Loss: Michigan Clinic Faces Murder Charges Over Child’s Death

What was supposed to be a simple therapy session turned into a nightmare for a Michigan family. On January 31, 2025, 5-year-old Thomas Cooper was undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy at The Oxford Center in Troy when a sudden explosion inside the chamber took his life. His mother, Annie Cooper, who was by his side, suffered severe burns as she desperately tried to save her son.

Now, over a month later, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced murder and manslaughter charges against four individuals linked to the facility, holding them accountable for what she calls “a preventable tragedy caused by negligence.”

Who’s Being Held Responsible?

Following an in-depth investigation, authorities have charged the following people:

• Tamela Peterson, 58, founder and CEO of The Oxford Center, faces second-degree murder charges.
• Gary Marken, 65, the facility manager, has been charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
• Gary Mosteller, 64, the safety manager, also faces second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
• Aleta Moffitt, 60, who was operating the chamber at the time of the explosion, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and falsifying medical records.

What Went Wrong?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber and is approved for treating conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning and severe burns. However, The Oxford Center had been using it for unapproved treatments, including sleep apnea and ADHD.

Investigators believe a single spark ignited a fire inside the chamber, causing it to explode in seconds. The chamber itself was outdated and lacked proper safety maintenance. Even more alarming, no licensed medical professionals were overseeing Thomas’s treatment at the time.

Attorney General Nessel didn’t hold back in her statement. “This little boy’s life was lost because the people in charge chose to ignore basic safety measures,” she said. “Their carelessness and disregard for human life are inexcusable.”

Ignoring Red Flags

Authorities uncovered a disturbing pattern of negligence at The Oxford Center:

• Outdated Equipment – The hyperbaric chamber had exceeded its recommended service life.
• Lack of Maintenance – Regular safety checks were ignored.
• Unqualified Staff – There were no trained medical professionals present during the procedure.
• Safety Violations – Basic safety precautions, like grounding straps to prevent sparks, weren’t being followed.

It was a disaster waiting to happen—and unfortunately, Thomas Cooper paid the ultimate price.

The Facility’s Troubling Past

The Oxford Center had been offering hyperbaric therapy for conditions not approved by the FDA, meaning most insurance companies wouldn’t cover the cost. Parents like Annie Cooper paid out of pocket, hoping it would help their children.

“This was my son’s chance to have a better life,” Annie said in a heartbreaking statement. “I trusted them. And now he’s gone.”

Legal Battle Begins

All four defendants were arrested on March 10 and arraigned the following day. The charges are severe, and the bail amounts reflect that:

• Tamela Peterson – $2 million
• Gary Marken & Gary Mosteller – $250,000 each
• Aleta Moffitt – $100,000

If convicted, they could face decades behind bars.

Defense Attorneys Push Back

Not surprisingly, the defendants’ lawyers are already pushing back. Gary Marken’s attorney called the second-degree murder charge “a total shock,” arguing that the incident was nothing more than a tragic accident.

Meanwhile, The Oxford Center released a statement expressing their “deep disappointment” over the charges, claiming they had been fully cooperating with investigators.

A Community in Mourning

The loss of Thomas Cooper has devastated not just his family but the entire Troy community. A GoFundMe campaign created to support his grieving parents has raised over $67,000, a testament to how deeply people have been moved by this tragedy.

As the case moves forward, one question lingers: Could this have been prevented?

For Thomas’s family, the answer is painfully clear. “They had every opportunity to do the right thing,” Annie said. “But they didn’t. And now my son is gone.”