NORFOLK, VA. — U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jermiah Copeland pleaded guilty at a general court-martial in Norfolk, Va., to unpremeditated murder and related charges in connection with the death of fellow Petty Officer Angelina Resendiz. A military judge sentenced Copeland to 44 years in federal prison in an agreement that reduced a premeditated murder charge to unpremeditated murder.
Copeland, 21, said, "I killed CS3 Resendiz on May 29, 2025. I strangled her with my hands." He admitted the strangulation occurred inside his barracks room. Resendiz was last seen alive on that date in her barracks room at Miller Hall at Naval Station Norfolk. Copeland stated that he concealed Resendiz's body in a black wheeled duffel bag before discarding it in a wooded area.
Naval Criminal Investigative Service officials questioned Copeland on June 1 regarding Resendiz's whereabouts. Resendiz's body was concealed inside Copeland's closet during this questioning. "I knew people were looking for her and if she was found in my closet, I would be in trouble." Copeland said. He admitted to providing false information to investigators by claiming he returned Resendiz to her barracks room alive. Resendiz's body was discovered on June 9 in a wooded area approximately 10 miles from Naval Station Norfolk. A Naval Criminal Investigative Service forensics team recovered her body at the location. GPS data indicated Copeland drove off base at 4:47 a.m. on June 2 and placed a digital map pin near the location where the body was later found.
Copeland pleaded guilty to charges of unpremeditated murder, making a false official statement, aggravated assault by strangulation, indecent recording, and obstruction of justice. He also admitted to strangling another woman aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in July 2024. He admitted to secretly recording a woman in a bathroom stall without her consent, and to recording himself and another woman engaging in sexual activity without consent.
Special Agent in Charge Emily Schmid said, "Petty Officer Copeland deserves to be held fully accountable for his heinous actions that resulted in the tragic murder of Petty Officer Resendiz." As part of the plea agreement, Copeland met with Resendiz's mother, Esmeralda Castle. Castle conveyed a message to Copeland during sentencing, saying, "You still have life. I'm sorry it's going to be behind these walls, but you still have life, and even behind these walls, you can still do good things."
The sentencing requires Copeland to receive a dishonorable discharge from the Navy and his military rank will be reduced to Seaman Apprentice. He will forfeit all base and special pay. Copeland is required to register as a sex offender upon release from custody and will serve his sentence at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Leavenworth, Kansas. Copeland and Resendiz both held the rank of culinary specialist.