Man sentenced to life in prison in San Marcos officer’s death

Kate Winkle
·2 min read
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SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) — A man has been found guilty of capital murder related to a San Marcos police officer’s shooting death in 2017.

Stewart Thomas Mettz, 57, was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole, according to a news release from the Hays County District Attorney’s Office.

Brothers in blue remember San Marcos Officer Kenneth Copeland

Officer Kenneth Copeland, 58, was serving an arrest warrant on charges of assault and injury to an elderly person on the afternoon of Dec. 4, 2017, when he was shot and killed in what the police chief at the time characterized as “much like an ambush type situation.”

“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,” San Marcos Assistant City Manager Chase Stapp said in a news release. Stapp was San Marcos police chief during the incident.

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Photo of San Marcos Police Officer Kenneth Copeland. Officer Kenneth Copeland was shot and killed while serving a warrant in 2017.

Copeland joined SMPD on March 30, 1998, according to the city.

Copeland was the first San Marcos police officer to be killed while on patrol in the department’s history. Additionally, he was a military veteran and the father of four boys, the release said.

“I am beyond relieved that justice has been served. Officer Copeland was the epitome of what an officer should be, and I’m glad he and his family can now rest a little easier knowing that his killer has faced justice,” SMPD Sergeant Matt Daenzer said.

The city said Copeland was known as “an exceptional friend and a selfless servant to his community and department.” The city said he also kept Topo Chico mineral water in a cooler he kept stocked in his patrol car to “hand out throughout the day.”

“I’m grateful for the conviction, but the loss continues to resonate. I will forever be appreciative of the work and assistance from all those involved. Live like Ken!” SMPD Corporal Brady Templeton said.

“It was an honor to be part of the team that was able to get justice for Ken,” Assistant District Attorney Allison Buess said following the verdict.

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