Jonathan Copeland pleads guilty in death of Officer Michalski, faces mandatory life sentence

MILWAUKEE -- Jonathan Copeland, the man prosecutors said shot and killed Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Michalski in July of 2018 pleaded guilty to first degree intentional homicide Tuesday, Feb. 26 -- just as his trial was set to get underway.

Jury selection took place Monday and Copeland's trial was supposed to begin Tuesday, but his attorneys said their client called them about changing his August 2018 not guilty plea on Monday night after jury selection wrapped up. Copeland, 31, faces a mandatory life sentence.

Copeland was convicted of first degree intentional homicide, while the state agreed to drop the penalty enhancer "use of a dangerous weapon," along with two other charges -- attempted first degree intentional homicide and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm noted Copeland ambushed Officer Michalski in a home near 28th and Wright on July 25, 2018 as Michalski and other officers were serving a warrant for Copeland's arrest on felony drug and domestic abuse related offenses. Prosecutors said Officer Michalski was shot as he climbed the stairs in the home, searching for Copeland, who fired from the landing, where he was hiding. Copeland was also accused of shooting at other officers outside from the window.

"When it comes right down to it, first degree homicide is a life sentence, and so there's isn't a lot you can negotiate under those circumstances," said Chisholm. "That obviously isn't done without consulting with the family -- and it's not done without the defendant making that offer to do it -- so that came from the defendant."

FOX6 News asked Copeland's attorney, Calvin Malone, why his client changed his mind.

"I really don't have anything to add," said Malone.

Several members of the Milwaukee Police Department stood in support of Officer Michalski during the proceedings and created a human wall as Officer Michalski's family left the courtroom -- spared the pain of having to relive the tragic events from July of 2018.

Sentencing for Copeland was scheduled for May 3. Despite the mandatory life sentence, the judge will decide during sentencing whether Copeland will be eligible for extended supervision for the rest of his life after serving a mandatory 20 years in prison.

Copeland's trial had been postponed two weeks because of the death of Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, killed in the line of duty on Feb. 6.

The Milwaukee Police Department issued the following statement:

The Milwaukee Police Association issued the following statement regarding Copeland's plea: