Navy sailor sentenced to over 40 years in military prison for killing of fellow servicemember

A United States Navy sailor was sentenced Tuesday to more than 40 years in a military prison for the 2025 killing of a fellow sailor in Virginia and then dumping her body in the Atlantic Ocean.

A military judge sentenced Seaman Apprentice Jeremiah Copeland to 44 years in confinement at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, after he admitted to killing Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz last year, according to Stars and Stripes.

Copeland pleaded guilty Monday to unpremeditated murder, aggravated assault by strangulation, indecent recording, obstruction of justice and making a false official statement. As part of the plea agreement, he will receive a dishonorable discharge, forfeit all pay and allowances, be reduced in rank to seaman apprentice and must register as a sex offender.

“I committed the worst betrayal possible," Copeland told Resendiz's mother, Esmeralda Castle, ahead of the sentencing. I will live with my actions every minute of every day."

Copeland admitted in court that he killed Resendiz by strangling her at his barracks, and then dumped her body in the ocean. She turned up in a body bag 12 days after she was reported missing and 17 days after she was last seen.

Castle acknowledged the sentencing was a step in the process of getting justice for her daughter, but said Copeland was not solely responsible because the Navy should have stopped him. 

“This isn’t justice. This is a process. Justice is when everyone is safe, and this doesn’t happen again," Castle said. “I think there should be more people in jail. Yes, he [Copeland] took the life, but the conditions were created by the leadership.”

The comment refers to allegations that Copeland committed sexual assault or misconduct before enlisting in the Navy, and allegations of rape, sexual assault and attempting to strangle another service member from his time in the Navy.

The Navy has denied any wrongdoing in the response to Resendiz’s disappearance and death.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.