CHARLOTTE — Kristopher Sinclair pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Brianye Copeland and was sentenced to up to 31 years in prison.
Copeland was shot and killed in February 2025 outside a resource center in northeast Charlotte.
Prosecutors said Sinclair met Copeland on vacation and became obsessed with her, placing a tracking device on her car days before the murder.
Copeland’s friends and family gathered outside the Mecklenburg County Courthouse dressed in purple to show their support, with family members submitting 52 victim impact statements.
Brian Copeland, the victim’s father, acknowledged the long distances loved ones traveled to stand with the family.
“Some of them drove 10, 11 hours. Some flew in, so we definitely appreciate all the support,” Copeland said. “You know, so they really are keeping us together through this tough time.”
Tiffany Matthews, Copeland’s mother, explained why so many family members and friends attended the proceedings.
“We wanted to show them what he has done to our family,” Matthews said.
While Sinclair entered a guilty plea, Matthews expressed dissatisfaction with the length of the sentence.
“We don’t think it’s fair, only because he still has an opportunity to be set free and has an opportunity to pursue things while he’s incarcerated,” Matthews said.
Copeland’s parents remembered their daughter for her beautiful and loving spirit, noting that she always wanted to help people.
In her memory, the family established Bri Way, a nonprofit organization designed to honor her legacy, raise awareness about domestic violence, and support others battling similar circumstances.
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