A Navy culinary specialist stands accused of murder and sexual crimes in connection with the death of a 21-year-old female sailor whose body was discovered in Norfolk, Virginia.
According to Military.com, Culinary Specialist Jeremiah Copeland was taken into custody following the discovery of Seaman Angelina Resendiz's body in a wooded area approximately 10 miles from Naval Station Norfolk. The victim, who was also a culinary specialist assigned to the USS James E. Williams, had been missing since May 29 before her remains were found on June 9.
Copeland faces serious allegations, including murder, rape, sexual misconduct, and distribution of intimate photographs. The charges stem from what investigators believe to be at least six criminal acts committed against Resendiz.
Previous Criminal History Raises Questions
Court records reveal that Copeland had a concerning past before joining the Navy. The suspect faced juvenile charges in Washington state in 2022 for a similar offense involving intimate images.
Island County Sheriff's Office previously investigated Copeland for recording consensual sexual activity without his partner's knowledge. He entered a diversion program but failed to complete the required mental health counseling component.
Despite his incomplete compliance with the juvenile program requirements, prosecutors opted not to pursue adult charges when Copeland turned 18. This decision would later prove significant given the current allegations.
Navy's Response to Missing Person Case
Friends and family reported Resendiz missing on May 31 after she missed work and became unreachable. The disappearance prompted immediate concern from her loved ones.
Virginia State Police issued a Critically Missing Alert on June 3 at the request of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The victim's mother, Esmeralda Castle, traveled to Norfolk seeking answers from ship command.
Naval authorities faced criticism for their initial handling of the case. Castle expressed frustration on June 7, stating that the Navy had not provided sufficient information about her daughter's disappearance.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Details
Copeland remains in pretrial confinement under Naval Surface Force Atlantic's authority. The case will proceed through military justice channels.
An Article 32 hearing, equivalent to a civilian grand jury proceeding, is scheduled for September 18. The Navy's Office of Special Trial Counsel has taken charge of prosecuting the case.
The Virginia Medical Examiner's office has yet to determine both the cause and manner of Resendiz's death. This development adds complexity to an already challenging investigation.
Impact on Naval Station Norfolk Community
The tragic case has deeply affected the Naval Station Norfolk community where both sailors served. Resendiz, who joined the Navy in August 2023, had recently achieved the rank of seaman in February 2025.
The incident has prompted discussions about sailor safety and background screening procedures within the Navy. Questions persist about how Copeland's previous legal issues might have influenced current events.
Naval authorities maintain strict control over case information, limiting public statements to official documents published on the Judge Advocate General Corps website. The case continues to draw attention as the military justice system proceeds with prosecution.
