Murder trial for slain officer begins

SAN MARCOS — The trial for the shooting of a San Marcos Police officer began on Jan. 8 at the Hays County Courthouse.

On Dec. 4, 2017, SMPD officer Kenneth Copeland, 58, was shot and killed while serving a warrant to Stewart Mettz, 57. Copeland was struck several times and rushed to Central Texas Medical Center, now CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital — San Marcos. While on the way, fellow officers attempted to save his life; however, he was pronounced dead at 3:40 p.m.

Copeland, who left behind a wife and four children, was the first San Marcos police officer killed in the line of duty.

Mettz was charged with capital murder, a capital felony, on Dec. 7, 2014.

Jon Evans will represent the defendant on the case.