Gwinnett man convicted of killing 2, including girlfriend’s ex

A Lawrenceville man has been convicted of killing two men, including his then-girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office said. The other victim was someone the defendant had never met before, according to the DA’s office.

LaDarrwin Copeland, 37, was convicted on two counts each of malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault, and one count each of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A jury returned guilty verdicts on Sept. 13 after a week-long trial.

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Copeland had argued with Timothy Rogers, his girlfriend’s ex, on January 28, 2017, over Rogers continuing to contact the woman, according to the DA’s office. Later that night, Copeland and his girlfriend went to the Crossland Economy Suites in Lawrenceville, where Rogers was staying. Copeland had the woman knock on the door. Rogers’ friend Ricky Johnson opened the door. Copeland pushed the woman out of the doorway and started shooting, hitting both Johnson and Rogers, the DA’s office said. Copeland had not met Johnson before this, according to the DA’s office.

Copeland initially denied ever being at the hotel or knowing the woman identified as his girlfriend. He eventually admitting to dating the woman, but denied being at the hotel or being involved in the shootings, according to the DA’s office.