Sailor sentenced to 44 years in prison for murder of Angelina Resendiz
Navy Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Culinary Specialist Seaman Petty Officer Jermiah Copeland pleaded guilty to the unpremeditated murder of fellow service member Angelina Petra Resendiz and was sentenced to 44 years in prison by a general court-martial.
- Copeland strangled Resendiz to death following a disagreement in a barracks building at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia; Resendiz was found dead nearly two weeks after going missing in May 2025.
- In addition to his prison sentence, Copeland will receive a dishonorable discharge, forfeit all pay and allowances, and must register as a sex offender upon release.
- Copeland faced multiple prior charges, including aggravated sexual contact, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and domestic violence incidents during his Navy service since 2023.
- Resendiz’s mother, Esmerelda Castle, showed remarkable compassion by meeting with Copeland, forgiving him, and urging him to live a better life, despite the tragic circumstances.