Report: Son fatally shot himself after killing his father in East Brainerd

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office says investigation is still open

The emblem of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is seen at the Hamilton County-Chattanooga Courts Building.
The emblem of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is seen at the Hamilton County-Chattanooga Courts Building.

A 59-year-old man who authorities say killed his father in May died after shooting himself in the head, according to a preliminary report from the Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office.

Steven Dale Copeland committed suicide after shooting his father, Glenn Ray Copeland, 82, in the chest and right thigh at 9012 Jennifer Lane in East Brainerd on May 22, the report states. Responding officers found Steven Copeland at 9015 Jennifer Lane, homes apart from his father, but could not say at the time whether his wounds were self-inflicted and released no motive for the slaying.

Although the report, released June 9, sheds some light on the cause of death, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office could not provide more information Tuesday.

The case is "still considered an open investigation," said spokesman Matt Lea, so officers cannot provide more information beyond the initial news release.

According to the examiner's report, Steven Copeland's blood tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and alcohol.

Records painted a complicated picture of a local landlord who'd been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in the last few months of his life. A family member who contacted the Times Free Press days after the murder-suicide declined to comment Tuesday.

Born in Florida, Glenn Copeland had a long history in Chattanooga after moving here as a boy, lawyers said.

His father owned a service station located by First Tennessee Bank in the Eastgate area. His mother raised Copeland and his two brothers, one of whom is former state Rep. David Copeland.

Lawyers said Copeland worked second shift at a post office and commuted back and forth from Knoxville four to five days a week. He graduated in 1966, one lawyer said, started working in town at a firm, and concentrated on personal injury cases and bankruptcy.

Contact staff writer Zack Peterson at 423-757-6347 or zpeterson@timesfreepress.com. Follow on Twitter @zackpeterson918.

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