FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Kristia Winter, Communications Director
KWinter@council.nyc.gov, 718-629-2900

BROOKLYN, NY — Council Member Farah N. Louis (D-Brooklyn), co-chair of the Women’s Caucus, issued the following statement after the suspect in the murder of 32-year-old Jamel Copeland in Flatbush was apprehended by the NYPD’s Regional Fugitive Task Force in Virginia. The alleged perpetrator was his former girlfriend and the mother of his child. She was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.

STATEMENT BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOUIS

“Jamel Copeland’s death, allegedly at the hands of a former female acquaintance, is a double tragedy – a parent lost his child, and a child lost his father. His namesake and three-year-old son, Jamel Jr., has to experience childhood without his father to celebrate every birthday, first day of school, or graduation.

“In the aftermath of the increased incidence of domestic and gun violence are distraught families. Although victims of domestic or intimate partner violence are overwhelmingly women, men also face bodily harm. Regardless of the perpetrator’s gender, there must be consequences. Domestic incidents occur often throughout our community, yet are underreported.

“The perpetual cycle of violence has shattered lives – inflicting physical, emotional, and psychological harm that can span one’s lifetime and across generations. The reality is that we are facing an uphill battle, but our community cannot become desensitized to the loss of human life. We will not lose this fight because our children depend on us to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being.

“Throughout October, recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must galvanize our community into action. It is crucial that we learn how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse, get help, and support survivors of domestic violence year-round.”

New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis represents the 45th Council District, which comprises Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, Flatlands, & Kensington in Brooklyn, NY. She is a member of the committees on Civil Service and Labor; Economic Development; Education; Finance; Housing and Buildings; Youth Services; and Justice System. Council Member Louis is the Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus and Vice Co-Chair of the Black, Latino/a, and Asian Caucus.

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