Key facts
- Jermiah Copeland, a US Navy culinary specialist, has been sentenced to 44 years in federal prison.
- He admitted to strangling fellow sailor Angelina Resendiz to death in his barracks room.
- Copeland also confessed to strangling another woman and illegally recording women, including during intimate moments.
- He pleaded guilty to charges including unpremeditated murder, aggravated assault, and indecent recording.
- Resendiz's family is calling for military reforms to enhance protections for women serving in the armed forces.
A US Navy member, Jermiah Copeland, has been sentenced to 44 years in federal prison after admitting to the murder of a fellow sailor, Angelina Resendiz, by strangulation. Copeland also confessed to violently squeezing the neck of a second woman and illegally recording a third woman, including during intimate moments.
Copeland, a 21-year-old culinary specialist, acknowledged killing Resendiz in his barracks room at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, after an argument. He admitted to concealing her body for days before discarding it in nearby woods. He later lied to investigators about bringing her back to her room alive.
In addition to the murder charge, Copeland pleaded guilty to aggravated assault by strangulation and indecent recording concerning the other two women. He received a sentence of 44 years, which includes a dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay, and a demotion. He must also register as a sex offender.
The family of Angelina Resendiz, including her mother Esmeralda Castle, has called for reforms within the military to better protect women. Castle has spoken with lawmakers and organizations, drawing parallels to the case of Vanessa Guillén, which led to policy changes regarding sexual assault and harassment in the military. Castle herself unsuccessfully sought a seat in the Texas legislature to advocate for these reforms.
During the sentencing, a forensic psychologist testified that Copeland had a history of childhood trauma, including sexual abuse, which may have contributed to social difficulties, though the psychologist did not definitively link this to the murder. Copeland's grandmother also testified, stating the family loved him but did not condone his actions and believed he should be held accountable.