Navy sailor admits killing fellow service member as mother questions missed warning signs

A Navy sailor admitted Monday to strangling fellow sailor, 21-year-old Angelina Resendiz, inside his barracks room last year, bringing what her mother described as "peace of mind" while renewing questions from Resendiz’s family and advocates about whether military leaders missed opportunities to intervene before the killing.

Esmi Castle, whose daughter was found dead in a wooded area in Norfolk, about 10 miles from Naval Station Norfolk in June 2025, told Fox News Digital that hearing Jermiah/Jeremiah Copeland admit responsibility in court answered lingering questions about how her daughter died. But she said she believes the killing could have been prevented.

According to USNI News, Copeland pleaded guilty during a general court-martial Monday to the unpremeditated murder of Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Angelina Resendiz, as well as making a false official statement, aggravated assault involving a second victim and indecent recording involving a third victim.

During the hearing, Copeland admitted to strangling Resendiz on May 29, 2025, telling the military judge, "I killed CS3 Resendiz on May 29, 20...