RETRIAL BRINGS CONVICTION IN MURDER CASE

Michael Bernard Kendrick Gets Life Plus Five in Second Trial

Atlanta-Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announces the conviction of 30-year-old Michael Bernard Kendrick of Atlanta. A Fulton County jury found him guilty of one count each of felony murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in the May 21, 2001 shooting death of Timothy Copeland of Atlanta.

Assistant District Attorney David Cooke presented witnesses who testified the two men were arguing and fighting in the parking lot of 425 Chapel Road, when Kendrick hit the 26-year-old Copeland in the head with a bottle, choked him, and poured beer on him. Witnesses say Kendrick left, came back with a gun and shot Copeland once in the chest.

The case was presided over by Superior Court Rowland Barnes who sentenced Kendrick to life in prison plus five years.

CONTACT: Lyn Vaughn, 404-224-0560 (office); 404-533-1381 (pager)