Savannah Grace Copeland, Knoxville, TN teen girl stabbed to death by Malakiah Lamar Harris in ‘senseless’ murder as a judge is to decide whether the juvenile boy will be tried as an adult.
A Tennessee family have identified their daughter as the 13 year old teen girl ‘senselessly’ stabbed to death by a 15 year old boy last week.
Savannah Grace Copeland was found slain on a dirt trail behind a community pool in Powell, just outside Knoxville, last Tuesday.
Despite the Savannah’s family coming forward and identifying her as the victim, police to date have yet to publicly identify the slain 13 year old.
Copeland was stabbed to death multiple times with a pocket knife by 15-year-old teen, Malakiah Lamar Harris, whom she had organized to meet with the night before she was found, according to WVLT.
Upon stabbing the girl ‘multiple times,’ Harris is alleged to have fled the scene, leaving the girl to die.
Harris upon his arrest, was charged with second degree murder in connection to Copeland’s death.
The 15 year old appeared in court today and remained held in custody until his status hearing scheduled for November 4.
A judge last week redacted the victim’s name from being released before the ‘grieving’ family coming forward earlier this week, WVLT reported.
Not immediately understood is the dynamic between the two teens, how they knew each, if at all, along with the murder motive.
According to an obit, Copeland is survived by her parents Michael and Amanda, as well as her twin brother and another brother
‘Her beautiful smile lit up the room,’ the family wrote in her obituary.
‘She loved her family, she loved her friends, and she loved art. Savannah attended Powell Middle School and was a talented student as well as an accomplished athlete—excelling in gymnastics, karate, and cheerleading.’
The notice described her as an aspiring forensic anthropologist who had set her sights on attended the University of Tennessee.
‘She enjoyed scary stories, drawing, and pop music,’ the obituary added, explaining she and her family have been longtime members of the Powell United Methodist Church.
‘Savannah will be forever missed by everyone who knew her and loved her,’ the statement added.
Copeland’s uncle Scott Copland created a GoFundMe to raise money for funeral costs, where he shared her relatives’ agony.
Copeland’s cheer team held an event attended by the family where they honored the late teen by wearing her favorite color, blue.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office in a release said the investigation remains ongoing.
Copeland’s funeral will be held at Powell United Methodist Church on November 3.
