Navy Sailor Admits to Killing Fellow Sailor, Raising Questions About Military Response
A sailor in the Navy has admitted to the murder of his colleague, 21-year-old Angelina Resendiz, which occurred last year in his barracks room. This confession has provided some closure for Resendiz’s mother, Esmi Castle, but also raises questions about whether the military could have intervened earlier to prevent the tragedy.
Castle, whose daughter’s body was found in a wooded area near Norfolk, expressed relief after hearing Jeremiah Copeland confess in court. Yet, she believes the killing could have been avoided if prior warning signs had been addressed.
During a general court-martial, Copeland pleaded guilty to unpremeditated murder, making false statements, and other charges. He admitted to strangling Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Resendiz on May 29, 2025, after they drank alcohol and argued. Although the medical examiner had not initially determined the cause of death, Copeland’s admission confirmed the manner of her death.
“I killed CS3 Resendiz on May 29, 2025… I strangled her with my hands,” Copeland stated.
As part of a plea agreement, Copeland faces a minimum 40-year prison sentence, a dishonorable discharge, and will have to register as a sex offender. This admission has brought some peace to Castle, ending the uncertainty of the past year.
Castle has criticized Navy leaders for failing to act on previous allegations involving Copeland. She believes these ignored incidents allowed for the tragedy to occur.
“If they would have dealt with him when he started harming women, he would never have gotten to Angie,” Castle stated.
Resendiz was ambitious, hoping to advance her Navy career and eventually compete in the elite culinary team. Her death has spurred Castle to become an advocate for military sexual violence victims, seeking more accountability outside the military justice system.
Castle’s efforts include pushing for survivors to have the option to pursue claims in civilian courts, as in many cases, military responses are inadequate.
Recently, Castle traveled to Washington, D.C., advocating for reforms with other military families.
“Nothing’s changed… We have statutes and policies that were supposed to protect service members,” Castle noted.
Following the court hearing, Castle spoke with Copeland and expressed no hostility. She even met his family, acknowledging mutual loss.
“We technically have all lost our kids,” she remarked.
She remains hopeful that Copeland will choose to change his ways during his time in prison.