Wanted for First Degree Murder- UPDATE

Abingdon Police Department

                                               

For Immediate Release

 On Thursday, June 25, 2015, at approximately 11:00 AM, Abingdon Police were dispatched to the parking lot of the Virginia Department of Probation and Parole District 17 office in reference to an unknown medical emergency. Upon arrival, officers observed the victim, Edsel C. Copeland, 67, of 16140 Elementary Drive, Abingdon, VA., laying in the parking lot with a wound to his chest. He was being prepped for transport to the hospital by members of the Washington County Life Saving Crew. Witnesses stated that Mr. Copeland had been assaulted by his son, Joshua Carroll Copeland, 31, of 16140 Elementary Drive, Abingdon, VA., while on the way to an appointment at the probation office. After assaulting his father, Joshua Copeland fled the scene in a 2006 Silver Dodge Charger barring Virginia registration- JWN-5305.

The victim was transported by ambulance to Bristol Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. Based upon information obtained from witnesses, investigators secured a felony warrant for violation of 18.2-32 (first degree murder) of the code of Virginia. Police are still searching for the suspect. If anyone has information concerning the location of Joshua Carroll Copeland, please contact your local police department.

There is no additional information to release at this time.

Pictured: Joshua Carroll Copeland, 31, of 16140 Elementary Drive, Abingdon, VA.

Pictured: 2006 Silver Dodge Charger similar to the one driven by Copeland. 

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