VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (WVEC) – David Gonzalez wanted his rent money back after being forced out the house. He got it, but moments later, he was shot dead by his roommate Nancy Copeland, according to court documents.
Newly unsealed court paperwork outlines the December 2017 night at their townhome on Westminster Lane.
A resident and witness told Virginia Beach police that the two got into the argument in a hallway.
Moments later, she saw Copland with a gun pointed at Gonzalez. Gonzalez grabbed for it, but then she heard a gunshot and saw him collapse.
All witnesses came to Copeland’s court hearing Friday, but only one needed to testify before prosecutors rested. Police charged Copeland with second-degree murder, but her defense claims she is in no way responsible.
"It's more complicated than the one-sided account that you heard at prelim today," said Patricia Hardt, Copeland’s attorney.
The unsealed search warrant said police found guns, ammo, and narcotics in the home after the shooting.
Hardt pointed to Copeland feeling threatened during the argument, possibly by a firearm, which is why she shot. She also pointed to a history of verbal abuse between the two.
Prosecutors brought forth witnesses who said Copeland pointed the gun with straight arms, but they did not see if Gonzalez had a gun.
A medical examiner presented autopsy reports which, prosecutors said, support their claim Gonzalez was defenseless.
A judge eventually certified the Second Degree Murder charge. The case now heads to the Grand Jury.
“This is not a time where we're presenting evidence, necessarily, but at trial, we will be,” said Hardt. “And it's at that point you'll see that my client will not be responsible for the death of David Gonzalez."
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