Navy Sailor Sentenced to 44 Years for Barracks Murder

A U.S. Navy sailor, Jermiah Copeland, pled guilty to unpremeditated murder in the death of fellow sailor Angelina Petra Resendiz and was sentenced at a general court-martial to 44 years in prison. He will also receive a dishonorable discharge, forfeit all pay and allowances, and must register as a sex offender when released. Resendiz, 21, disappeared from Naval Station Norfolk in May 2025 and was found dead in June; Copeland had prior allegations including aggravated sexual contact and assault during assignments on the USS Harry S. Truman and USS James E. Williams. During sentencing, Resendiz’s mother met Copeland, forgave him, and urged him to pursue a better life.