Amonte Savion Copeland Sr., a 26-year-old Black man, was fatally shot in Portsmouth, Virginia, on the evening of Thursday, June 19, 2025. Just before 6:30 p.m., police responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 600 block of Dunedin Road, located off Portsmouth Boulevard. Upon arrival, officers discovered Copeland suffering from gunshot wound injuries. He was transported for medical treatment but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Known affectionately as Monte or Wale', Copeland was born and raised in Portsmouth, where he had deep roots in the community. He was a graduate of Manor High School, class of 2018, where he was a passionate football player. His talent on the field earned him a full scholarship to play football at St. Augustine's University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Copeland became a certified merchant seaman and obtained a Commercial Driver's License, with entrepreneurial dreams of owning his own box truck and car wash. His family remembered him as a happy individual who was a positive role model for the younger children in his family.
The Portsmouth Police Department is actively investigating the shooting that led to Amonte Copeland's death. To date, authorities have not released any information regarding a potential suspect or a motive for the homicide. No public announcements have been made concerning any arrests in connection with the case. The investigation remains ongoing, and police have encouraged anyone with information to come forward and contact the Portsmouth Police Investigations Bureau.
