A Texas man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2017 killing of a San Marcos police officer, according to court proceedings. Stewart Thomas Mettz, 57, was convicted of capital murder on January 11 for the death of Officer Kenneth Copeland, a case that has lingered over the community for over six years.
Officer Copeland, who was 58 at the time of his death, was shot while attempting to serve an arrest warrant at Mettz's residence. Details provided by FOX 7 Austin indicate that Mettz fired multiple shots after Copeland, in uniform, knocked on the door as part of his duties to address charges of assault causing bodily injury to a family member, and injury to an elderly person.
The Hays County District Attorney's Office relayed in a statement that this verdict serves as justice not just for Copeland but for the entire police department and the community he protected. Copeland was a military veteran and father to four sons and is widely remembered as a committed public servant in San Marcos. His loss continues to be felt amongst his colleagues and the community at large.
The KVUE report cites Chase Stapp, Assistant City Manager and former Chief of Police, as stating, "Ken Copeland was a shining example of what it means to be a public servant in San Marcos. His demeanor and approach to his work set the example for so many, and the day he was taken from us was one of the darkest in our City’s history." In sharing gratitude to those involved in the case Stapp added, "I cannot express my gratitude enough to all of the law enforcement personnel who investigated this case, to Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Kathleen Arnold and Allison Buess for the work they put into prosecuting this case, and to the jurors for the difficult work they had to do this week."
As reactions to the sentencing pour in, members of the San Marcos Police Department continue to honor Copeland's legacy, reflecting on his character and service. Sergeant Matt Daenzer expressed relief and gratitude, noting Copeland's status as a model officer. The Department extended thanks to the Hays County District Attorney’s Office for seeing the case through to resolution.
