A teenager, aged 15, faces charges of second-degree murder subsequent to the death of a 13-year-old middle school cheerleader. The young girl’s body was discovered on a dirt path after her father traced her using a tracking app.
The Knox County Sheriff’s office alleges that Malakiah Lamar Harris stabbed Savannah Grace Copeland multiple times with a pocket knife. The incident reportedly took place during the early hours of October 22, 2024, on a trail in Powell, Tennessee’s Broadacres subdivision, near Knoxville.
The victim’s father, Michael Copeland, used the Life360 tracking app to help deputies locate his daughter after he was unable to contact her for several hours. Savannah had vanished from their home overnight.
Enrolled at Powell Middle School, Savannah was an academic and athletic achiever, involved in gymnastics, karate, and cheerleading. Her ambition was to study forensic anthropology at the University of Tennessee. She had a penchant for drawing, pop music, and scary stories. The Copeland family are longstanding members of the Powell United Methodist Church.
To honor Savannah, the Powell Middle School cheerleading team has instituted an annual award in her name. The award will recognize a team member who embodies similar traits as Savannah. Her father described her as having “spunkiness, eagerness and a go-getter attitude.”
A memorial has been established at the location where Savannah’s body was discovered. Community members have paid tribute by leaving notes, flowers, and other items. The family is also considering a permanent memorial at the site.
Harris, a friend of Savannah and her family, showed little emotion during the 10-minute hearing on the morning of November 20.
Prosecutors are moving to try Harris as an adult. A hearing to decide the matter has been scheduled for January 14, 2025. The court will consider factors such as Harris’ prior record, the nature of the crime, and the effectiveness of any rehabilitation or mental health treatment.
