On December 4, 2017, Officer Kenneth Copeland, a 58-year-old male of African American ethnicity, was tragically shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant at the residence of Stewart Thomas Mettz in San Marcos, Texas. Officer Copeland, who was in uniform at the time, knocked on Mettz's door, and upon opening it, Mettz shot him multiple times, leading to his death.
The investigation into Officer Copeland's death revealed that Mettz, a former military veteran, had been involved in an
assault causing bodily injury to a family member and injury to an elderly person. On January 11, 2024, after more than six years of legal proceedings, Mettz was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Hays County District Attorney's Office, along with the San Marcos Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies, worked diligently to bring Mettz to justice.
Officer Copeland was highly respected and remembered for his dedication to service and his friendly demeanor. He was known for always having a smile on his face and for offering Topo Chico mineral water to anyone he encountered. His loss was deeply felt by the San Marcos community, his colleagues, and his family, who continue to honor his memory.
The case against Mettz was a significant legal battle, with the Hays County District Attorney's Office and Assistant District Attorneys Katie Arnold and Allison Buess playing crucial roles in prosecuting the case. The jury's verdict and Mettz's life sentence were seen as a just resolution for Officer Copeland's family and the community he served.
Officer Kenneth Copeland's ultimate sacrifice and dedication to his duty as a police officer and his service as an active reservist with the United States Coast Guard Reserve will always be remembered and honored.
