NBC’s “Dateline” presents another classic daytime episode with “The Story of Somebody,” airing Monday, June 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM. The episode focuses on the tragic death of 22-year-old Courtney Copeland from Cicero, Illinois, who was shot and killed in 2016, and the subsequent quest for answers by his mother, Shapearl Wells.
On March 4, 2016, Copeland was en route to his girlfriend’s house when he was shot in the back while sitting in his car. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Copeland managed to drive to the 25th District police station in Chicago, where he sought help before collapsing. He was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The circumstances surrounding Copeland’s death and the response of the Chicago Police Department drew significant attention and scrutiny. Copeland’s mother, Shapearl Wells, took it upon herself to investigate her son’s murder and worked collaboratively with journalist Jamie Kalven and the Invisible Institute. Together, they created the “Somebody” podcast, which scrutinized the police response and detailed Wells’ journey for justice.
The podcast shed light on the lack of transparency and the dismissive treatment of Wells by the police. It also brought to light the fact that Copeland was handcuffed when he arrived at the hospital, as confirmed by the City of Chicago’s inspector general report. Despite this evidence, the Chicago Police Department has consistently denied that Copeland was handcuffed.
To this day, Copeland’s case remains unsolved, with no arrests or charges made. The Chicago Police Department has classified it as a cold case. However, Wells refuses to give up and continues to advocate for her son, keeping the case in the public eye through the podcast and her unwavering determination for answers.
“Dateline: The Story of Somebody” airs Monday, June 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM on NBC.