A Navy sailor confessed in court to killing fellow sailor Angelina Resendiz in his barracks room last year. This admission offered some relief to her mother, Esmi Castle, who expressed “peace of mind” but also questioned if military leaders could have stopped the tragedy.
Resendiz was found dead in June 2025, miles from Naval Station Norfolk. Castle shared with Fox News Digital how the court hearing brought answers about her daughter’s death but emphasized her belief that preventative measures were overlooked. Copeland’s guilty plea included charges of unpremeditated murder, false statements, aggravated assault, and indecent recording.
Resendiz came to his room, and they drank and kissed. Copeland then strangled her when she became upset after viewing his phone.
The plea deal mandates Copeland serve at least 40 years, receive a dishonorable discharge, and register as a sex offender. Castle said this admission has finally ended her uncertainty.
Resendiz’s ambitions extended to competing in the Navy’s elite culinary team and aspiring to cook for world leaders. Copeland, who had a history of issues with women, faced previously unaddressed allegations.
Castle lamented, “If they had acted sooner, Angie might have been spared.” Prior reports noted several incidents involving Copeland that didn’t lead to guilty pleas.
Since Resendiz’s death, Castle has become an advocate for military sexual violence victims, campaigning for pathways allowing survivors to seek civilian court recourse. Many victims, she argues, face retaliation or neglect within the military system.
At a gathering in Washington, D.C., Castle joined forces with others, pressing for systemic reforms. Her insights from meeting relatives of other service members underscore her view that this issue is systemic and widespread.
Though critical of the system, Castle shocked many when she addressed Copeland directly, expressing gratitude for his honesty. She related to all parties involved, including Copeland’s family, acknowledging their shared loss.
She hopes Copeland chooses a path of redemption while serving his sentence, encouraging him to “still choose better.”