San Marcos cop killer found guilty and sentenced to life in prison

Six years after shooting and killing a San Marcos police officer, a 57-year-old man has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

On Wednesday, January 11, a Hays County jury found Stewart Thomas Mettz guilty of the capital murder of San Marcos police officer Kenneth Copeland in 2017, according to a Hays County news release. Mettz was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“[Assistant District Attorney Katie Arnold] and I are so grateful for the faith and trust Ken’s family and friends placed in us to prosecute this case and speak on behalf of Ken. It was an honor to be part of the team that was able to get justice for Ken,” said Assistant District Attorney Allison Buess in the release.

On December 4, 2017, Officer Copeland was trying to execute an arrest warrant. The San Marcos officer, who was in uniform, knocked on the door of the home where Mettz was at. When Mettz opened the door, he shot Copeland multiple times, who later died from his injuires.

The former military veteran and father of four was 58 years old when he died in 2017. 

“We want to thank the jury and the court for the hard work of bringing this case to a just resolution. We also want to commend the San Marcos Police Department and the other local law enforcement agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and patience in bringing Ken Copeland’s murderer to justice,” said Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins in the release.

Higgins added, “We are very grateful for the county’s constables, whose work ensured that a jury was available for this trial. Lastly, I want to recognize the professionalism and hard work of Allison Buess, Katie Arnold, and the staff of our office for presenting the case on behalf of the county, the state, and all the people affected by the loss of Ken Copeland, a beloved and admired officer.”