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.A combination image shows Naval Station Norfolk, where Angelina Resendiz was stationed, and a photo of Resendiz provided by her family.

A fellow sailor pleaded guilty Monday in connection with her death.(Reuters / Courtesy of Esmi Castle)During the hearing, Copeland admitted to strangling Resendiz on May 29, 2025, telling the military judge, "I killed CS3 Resendiz on May 29, 2025 ...

I strangled her with my hands," according to USNI News.Although the medical examiner previously ruled Resendiz’s cause of death undetermined, Copeland admitted in court that he strangled her, according to USNI News.SOLDIER CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER FEMALE SERGEANT'S BODY FOUND IN DUMPSTER AT MISSOURI BASEAngelina Resendiz poses for a photo inside her barracks room while serving as a culinary specialist in the U.S.

Navy.Her mother described her as ambitious and focused on advancing her military career before her death in 2025.

(Courtesy of Esmi Castle)According to Copeland, Resendiz came to his barracks room on May 29, 2025, w...