UMVA has learned that a shocking case of military violence has reached a disturbing conclusion, as a Navy sailor admitted to strangling a fellow sailor in his barracks room last year, a crime that has left a trail of questions and concerns about the military's handling of similar incidents.
The sailor, Jermiah Copeland, pleaded guilty to the unpremeditated murder of 21-year-old Angelina Resendiz, as well as other charges, including making a false official statement, aggravated assault, and indecent recording. During the hearing, Copeland admitted to strangling Resendiz on May 29, 2025, telling the military judge, "I killed CS3 Resendiz on May 29, 2025 ... I strangled her with my hands."
Resendiz's mother, Esmi Castle, expressed a mix of emotions after hearing Copeland's admission, saying it brought her "peace of mind" while also renewing her concerns about whether military leaders could have prevented the killing. Castle believes that the military missed opportunities to intervene before the murder, citing Copeland's history of harming women.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Copeland's history of violence against women includes allegations involving at least four other women, which raises questions about why stronger action wasn't taken before Resendiz's death. Castle argued that if the military had dealt with Copeland earlier, her daughter would still be alive.
Resendiz was a promising young sailor who was working to advance her career as a culinary specialist, with dreams of one day joining the Navy's elite culinary competition team and even cooking for world leaders. Her death has left a void, and Castle has become an outspoken advocate for military sexual violence victims, pushing for reforms and greater accountability within the military justice system.
Castle's advocacy work has taken her to Washington, D.C., where she met with other military families and advocacy groups to push for changes. She believes that victims of military sexual assault and violence should have a pathway to pursue claims in civilian courts, rather than being limited to the military justice system, which she says often fails to deliver justice.
In a surprising display of compassion, Castle said she does not harbor hatred toward Copeland, and even spoke with him after the hearing, thanking him for telling the truth. She also met with Copeland's family members, who attended the proceedings, and expressed hope that Copeland will use his time in prison to change and make better choices.
As Copeland faces a minimum of 40 years in prison, a dishonorable discharge, and a requirement to register as a sex offender, Castle's words serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of military violence and the need for greater accountability and reform within the military justice system.
