Shameek Copes found guilty of second-degree murder in Auburn shooting

It took jurors about two hours to convict Shameek Copes, 28, of murder in Cayuga County Court this week.

Copes was found guilty of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

She had been accused of killing John Wesley Smith outside of an Auburn bar in the spring.

The Auburn Citizen reported that ‘shouting matches’ broke out outside the courthouse after the verdict. They reported an increased police presence around the courthouse ahead of the verdict.

Copes was accused of shooting-and-killing Wesley on March 15th, 2022 in front of Swifty’s Tavern.

The entire trial, including jury selection, lasted just five days.

Staff Report

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