Overview
- Seaman Jermiah Copeland admitted in court Monday that he strangled Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz and a military judge accepted his guilty plea.
- Under the plea agreement Copeland faces no less than about 40 years in prison, a dishonorable discharge, loss of pay, reduction in rank and a requirement to register as a sex offender.
- Copeland pleaded guilty to five offenses including unpremeditated murder, aggravated assault by strangulation, indecent recording, obstruction of justice and making a false official statement.
- Prosecutors say Copeland also faces separate allegations from his time on the carrier USS Harry S. Truman, including claims of rape and attempted strangulation that remain subject to other charges or proceedings.
- Resendiz’s family has sharply criticized the Navy’s response to her disappearance and the case could prompt further oversight and policy scrutiny as defense lawyers press for pretrial confinement credits that may affect final sentencing.