HONOLULU—A transient local man pleaded not guilty on Monday to charges of second-degree murder of a woman near University of Hawai’i at Mānoa campus.
Prosecutors say Gibran Copeland, 44, shot Christina Baca, 50, to death on Sept. 9. Copeland made an appearance in court via video for his arraignment and plea.
Baca was found in a storm drain near the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa faculty housing in the Wa’ahila Apartments with multiple gunshot wounds to the head, limbs, and torso. After an employee at the apartments reported a smell, her body was found by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in a state of decomposition.
The arraignment and plea were held at the Ka’ahumanu Hale, the City of Honolulu’s courthouse, and presented in front of Judge Ronald Johnson. Copeland was represented by public attorney Harrison Kiehm.
Copeland, who is in custody at the O’ahu Community Correctional Center, was called to the stand via courtroom video. He stood in front of the camera in a green prison jumpsuit. His hands were folded in front of his body and he had a stoic look on his face.
Kiehm opened by saying that Copeland didn’t want to make any statements in the courtroom and that he was pleading not guilty to all charges. Kiehm then asked Judge Johnson about getting a bail bond for the defendant, lobbying for a small amount because Copeland does not have an active income.
Despite Kiehm’s statement regarding Copeland’s lack of income, Copeland stated he receives $3,000 a month because he’s retired from the U.S. Army.
The prosecutor argued Copeland shouldn’t have a bail because he was a flight risk, meaning he could take the opportunity to flee before his trial.
The prosecutor briefly discussed the nature of the domestic case between Copeland and Baca, citing evidence that over the past one to two years, there were several alleged domestic abuse cases between the two, including threats to kill Baca.
Judge Johnson denied bail for Copeland because he’s a flight risk and has been accused of committing a serious crime. He also made it known that no amount of money could assure Copeland’s appearance if he’s released.
If convicted, Copeland is subject to a mandatory life sentence with the potential for parole. However, as a repeat offender, he could also face a sentence leading to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The trial will take place Dec. 23 at Ka’ahumanu Hale in front of Judge Catherine Remigio.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, call the Domestic Violence Action Center at 808-531-3771 or the DVAC toll-free helpline at 800-690-6200.
