Shania Copeland, a 20-year-old woman from Lake Worth, Florida, tragically lost her life on August 5, 2016. She was found shot to death alongside Leotis Lester, a 50-year-old man, in an apartment community on Washington Avenue in Lake Worth Beach. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office identified George McCray, a 62-year-old man from Boynton Beach, as the primary suspect in the case.
McCray, who had a history of felony convictions, was in a relationship with Copeland and was reportedly jealous of her friendship with Lester.
Investigators revealed that McCray shot both Copeland and Lester in an apparent act of jealousy. McCray was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, tampering with a witness, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. During the investigation, it was uncovered that McCray had been physically abusive towards Copeland and had made threatening statements indicating that if he couldn't have her, no one else could.
In January 2022, McCray pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and other related charges. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murders and tampering charges, and an additional 15 years for the firearm possession charge, with the sentences to be served concurrently. The court recommended that McCray be housed in a facility designated for older inmates.
Shania Copeland was a young mother who had given birth to a son just six months before her death. She was a graduate of Olympic Heights High School in Boca Raton. Her family and friends were devastated by her untimely death, describing her as a devoted mother whose world revolved around her son.
