Copeland admits firearm, ammunition offences

Elijah Akeem Copeland, of Chase Gap, Halls Road, St Michael, has admitted possessing a firearm and ten rounds of ammunition without valid licences on June 27, 2025.

He entered the guilty pleas when he was arraigned in the No.5 Supreme Court before Justice Pamela Beckles.

Accepting the pleas on the State’s behalf, acting Senior State Counsel Maya Kellman said police officers had executed a warrant at Copeland’s residence. He was not at home, but two relatives were present.

During a search of a storage room containing snacks and drinks belonging to Copeland, officers saw a white T-shirt tied on top of two black rubbish bags. They untied the T-shirt and found a loaded, dark-coloured pistol. The relatives denied knowledge and ownership of the firearm.

Copeland returned home, was escorted inside and, when shown the gun, said: ‘I responsible for that, sir.”

He gave a no-comment interview at the police station.

Defence lawyer Zaria Taylor, who represented Copeland in association with Senior Counsel Angella Mitchell-Gittens, requested a pre-sentence report.

Sentencing submissions will be heard on January 27, 2027 with sentencing scheduled for February 4, 2027. 

(JB)