50 Years for Killing Amarillo Man Who Helped Save Officer

A Randall County jury sentenced Lawrence Scott Johnston to 50 years in prison after finding him guilty of murdering Christopher Scott Copeland, an Amarillo resident previously recognized for helping a police officer.

The verdict came October 16 after a trial lasting 5 days. Copeland was killed July 8, 2025, in the courtyard of the apartment building where he and Johnston lived on separate floors.

Prosecutors said Copeland was watering plants when Johnston went upstairs, loaded a firearm and opened fire. Jurors also heard testimony during the punishment phase about the impact Copeland’s death had on his family.

Copeland had helped Officer Steven Kennedy during a 2023 encounter in which a suspect took the officer’s gun and wounded him. That earlier act of intervention became part of the public account of Copeland’s life.

Copeland was recognized posthumously with the Carnegie Medal for his actions. He had helped Kennedy regain control of the weapon and hold the suspect until additional officers arrived.

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Photo Via Jamie Burch, ABC 7 News