Milton Cope Jr., a 56-year-old man from Silver Springs, Florida, tragically lost his life on December 2, 2020. Cope, who had a background as a Certified Surgical First Assistant, was well-regarded in his professional community. He had recently moved to Ocala, Florida, where he worked as a Medical Representative at Ocala Regional Medical Center. Cope was known for his dedication to his work and his love for his family, including his daughter, Caitlin Cope.
On the morning of December 2,
2020, Cope was shot and killed at the home of Stephen Gerhardt McKenzie in Silver Springs. The incident occurred during an altercation between the two men. According to reports, McKenzie claimed that he shot Cope in self-defense after Cope allegedly would not stop punching him. McKenzie called 911 and reported the shooting, and when law enforcement arrived, they found Cope with a gunshot wound just above his abdomen. Despite efforts to save him, Cope later died at the hospital.
The investigation into Cope's death revealed that McKenzie had used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in the shooting. The authorities collected evidence and interviewed witnesses, including a neighbor who reported hearing a car horn honking and seeing McKenzie with a gun. Despite the circumstances, prosecutors ultimately decided not to charge McKenzie, citing self-defense. They stated that they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that McKenzie was not in fear for his life when he fired the shot. However, they left open the possibility of re-evaluating the case if new evidence emerged.
Cope's family, particularly his daughter Caitlin, expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision not to press charges. They found the situation surrounding his death to be suspicious and felt that justice had not been served. The case remains a point of contention, with the family continuing to seek answers and closure for the loss of Milton Cope Jr.
