‘Dangerous’ gunman gets 70 years in prison in Fort Worth-area robberies, killing of dog
A 20-year-old man who pleaded guilty to robbing multiple North Texas stores — and killing a clerk’s dog during one holdup — was sentenced to 70 years in prison Thursday, according to the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
Donavin Copeland committed six armed robberies in the Fort Worth and Saginaw areas between 2022 and 2023, according to court records.
It was common for Copeland to shoot at the store clerk and steal the robbery victim’s vehicle to leave the scene, the DA’s Office said in social media post.
In a robbery on Jan. 2, 2023, Copeland opened fire at a convenience store at 6001 N. Main St, according to police. He fatally shot the store clerk’s small dog, named Peanut, the DA’s Office said. He was charged with animal cruelty in Peanut’s death.
During another robbery at a game room, the defendant pistol-whipped a person, authorities said.
Fort Worth Police Detective Brian Raynsford said in 2023 that he had never seen an aggravated robbery suspect like Copeland in his 12 years working with the Police Department.
“He is one of the most dangerous and violent individuals I’ve seen,” Raynsford said.
The Fort Worth, Saginaw and White Settlement Police Departments investigated the case.
This story was originally published August 6, 2024 at 4:57 PM.
