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Fall River Today
By the People, for the People
Man Sentenced for 2022 Taunton Murder
Jerome Fordham pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and firearms charges.
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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A man named Jerome Fordham has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole for shooting and killing 38-year-old Ross Copeland in Taunton, Massachusetts in November 2022. Fordham evaded capture for over eight months before being apprehended in Florida and extradited back to Massachusetts.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking down and apprehending violent offenders who flee the scene of a crime. It also underscores the importance of community cooperation in helping authorities locate wanted suspects.
The details
According to court documents, Fordham pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree murder and carrying a firearm without a license on March 3, 2026. A Bristol County Superior Court judge then sentenced him on March 4 to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Taunton police said Fordham shot and killed Copeland on November 6, 2022, and Fordham managed to evade capture for over eight months before being added to the Massachusetts State Police's 'Most Wanted' list. In July 2023, a person in Florida recognized Fordham living in a trailer park in Tampa County and reported his location to the authorities, leading to his arrest and extradition back to Massachusetts.
- On November 6, 2022, Fordham shot and killed Copeland in Taunton.
- For over eight months, Fordham evaded capture after the murder.
- In March 2023, Fordham was added to the Massachusetts State Police's 'Most Wanted' list.
- In July 2023, Fordham was recognized and reported to authorities in Florida.
- On March 3, 2026, Fordham pleaded guilty to the charges.
- On March 4, 2026, Fordham was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole.
The players
Jerome Fordham
A man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and firearms charges for the 2022 killing of Ross Copeland in Taunton, Massachusetts. Fordham evaded capture for over eight months before being apprehended in Florida and extradited back to Massachusetts.
Ross Copeland
A 38-year-old man from Raynham, Massachusetts who was shot and killed by Fordham in Taunton in November 2022.
What they’re saying
“We must continue to work tirelessly to bring violent offenders to justice and provide closure for the families of victims.”
— Bristol County District Attorney
What’s next
The judge's decision on Fordham's eligibility for parole after 15 years in prison will be an important next step in this case.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of community cooperation and persistence in law enforcement efforts to apprehend dangerous suspects who try to evade capture. It also highlights the need for continued focus on reducing gun violence and providing justice for victims and their families.
