In the late summer of 2021, the life of 36-year-old Christopher Copeland was brought to a violent and sudden end in a Decatur, Georgia apartment complex parking lot. On the afternoon of September 8th, gunshots shattered the peace, and when police arrived, they discovered Copeland suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene, which was littered with 17 shell casings. Witnesses reported seeing a small Nissan speeding away moments after the barrage of bullets.
The investigation into the male victim's death quickly led authorities to a suspect, Aqontise Phanique Glenn, a 33-year-old man from Decatur. A witness identified Glenn as the shooter, and a crucial piece of evidence was recovered after a dramatic high-speed chase. An officer, leaving the crime scene, spotted a Nissan matching the description provided by witnesses. The driver, later confirmed to be Glenn, led police on a two-mile pursuit, driving erratically through yards and against traffic. After abandoning the vehicle, Glenn fled on foot, dropping his iPhone in the process. The phone's data placed him at the scene of the crime at the time of the shooting.
Following the chase, Glenn sought refuge at his aunt's apartment, reportedly kicking in her door and pleading with her not to turn him in. His aunt, however, demanded that he leave. A manhunt ensued, and two weeks later, U.S. Marshals located and arrested Glenn in Alabama. He was extradited back to DeKalb County to face charges for the murder of Christopher Copeland.
In January 2024, Aqontise Glenn stood trial for his crimes. A DeKalb County jury found him guilty of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and felony fleeing. The judge subsequently sentenced him to life in prison plus an additional 10 years for his role in the drive-by shooting that claimed the life of Christopher Copeland.
