LEESBURG, FL — Community in Shock After Arrest in Fatal Shooting of 20-Year-Old Dontae Copeland

LEESBURG, FL — Community in Shock After Arrest in Fatal Shooting of 20-Year-Old Dontae Copeland

LEESBURG, FL — A tragic act of violence has shaken the Leesburg community to its core after the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Dontae D. Copeland, a young man described by those who knew him as kind-hearted, full of potential, and deeply loved by his family and friends.

The Leesburg Police Department has confirmed Copeland as the victim of a deadly incident that unfolded earlier this week. Police responded to reports of a shooting in a local neighborhood and, upon arrival, found Copeland suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

In a startling development, police announced that the suspect in the case, 18-year-old Kameryn Pickard, was turned in by his own father. Authorities have since charged Pickard with Murder and Conspiracy, according to official jail records. He remains in custody at the Lake County Jail, where he awaits a bond hearing.

Community Reeling from Violence

The death of Dontae Copeland has left friends, neighbors, and the broader Leesburg community grappling with grief and confusion. Social media has been filled with tributes, many highlighting Copeland’s positive demeanor and his efforts to make a better life for himself and those around him.

“Dontae was a good kid—always respectful, always smiling,” said family friend Marsha Taylor. “It’s hard to understand how something like this could happen. He didn’t deserve this.”

Community members have gathered for impromptu vigils and have called for increased efforts to curb gun violence and reach at-risk youth before tragedy strikes.

“Our young people are dying, and we have to ask ourselves why,” said local pastor Rev. Allen Boyd. “The pain in this city is real, and we need to come together, not just in grief but in action.”

Investigation and Arrest

While details surrounding the motive remain limited due to the active investigation, police confirmed that Kameryn Pickard’s involvement came to light with the help of his father, who made the difficult but honorable decision to alert authorities. The specifics of the conspiracy charge have not been disclosed, but investigators suggest that others may have been aware of or involved in planning the act.

Leesburg Police Chief Rob Hicks commended the department’s detectives for their swift action and thanked the community for its cooperation. He also acknowledged the emotional complexity surrounding the suspect’s surrender.

“We recognize this case is difficult for many, including the families on both sides,” Chief Hicks stated. “This is a heartbreaking situation, but our duty is to seek justice for Dontae and ensure the safety of our community.”

A Life Remembered

Dontae Copeland’s death comes as a profound loss not only to his family but to a generation of young people striving to find their place in a world too often disrupted by violence. Friends say he had dreams of attending college and was working toward getting his own apartment. He enjoyed music, basketball, and spending time with his younger siblings, who looked up to him.

“He was more than a statistic. He was a big brother, a loyal friend, and a son with a future,” said his cousin, Terrence Williams.

His family is currently working with local organizers to plan a public memorial service and vigil in his honor, inviting the community to come together and celebrate the life he lived.

Ongoing Investigation

The Leesburg Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They are urging anyone with additional information about the incident or possible accomplices to contact Leesburg PD at (352) 728-9860 or leave anonymous tips via Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).

In the wake of such a devastating loss, the city of Leesburg is reminded once again of the urgency to address violence at its roots, to support families in crisis, and to offer young people alternatives, resources, and a sense of purpose before more lives are lost.

Rest in Peace, Dontae D. Copeland.
Gone too soon, but remembered always.