Auburn Woman Found Guilty of Murdering Syracuse Man Outside of Bar Last Year

The woman accused of murdering a Syracuse man outside Swifty’s Tavern in Auburn last year has been found guilty.

The jury took roughly two hours Friday to find 28-year old Shameek Copes guilty of second degree murder and second degree criminal possession of a weapon in the shooting death of 37-year old John Wesley Smith outside the Perrine Street tavern on March 15th.

During the trial, Cayuga County District Attorney Brittany Grome Antonocci showed video evidence tying Copes to the murder. Copes’ defense attorney Rome, Canzano, disputes Antonocci’s claims.

 

Copes is facing 25 years to life in state prison for the murder charge and a 15 years determinate sentence, followed by five years of post-release supervision for the weapon’s charge.

Canzano said he will continue to defend his client.

 

Sentencing is scheduled for May 4th before Judge Thomas Leone.

Below is a statement from DA Antonocci:

“We are pleased with the jury’s verdict and commend them for the time and consideration they gave listening to and reviewing the evidence throughout the trial. We hope that this guilty verdict can finally bring John’s family a sense of closure and justice. We have seen too many senseless acts of gun violence, not only in our community, but across the state. Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, are committed to seeking justice in these cases. I commend the thorough investigation conducted by the Auburn Police Department, as well as by members of the New York State Police.”

Copes’ defense attorney, Rome Canzano told Finger Lakes News Radio