Authorities arrest person of interest in Copeland Park shooting

Home » Authorities arrest person of interest in Copeland Park shooting

Members of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO)  and U.S. Marshals on Thursday took David Jerome Lemon Jr. into custody as a person of interest in the murder of Tyler Hopkins.

Lemon is being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility on no bond for charges of Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon.

On Feb. 20, Hopkins was shot in Crystal River near the area of Copeland Park. Detectives with the CCSO Major Crimes Unit have diligently investigated this incident, working to identify the shooter and bring them to justice.


At this time, detectives are asking that anyone with additional information call CCSO at (352)726-1121 and ask for the Major Crimes Unit. To submit a tip anonymously and possibly become eligible for a reward, call Crime Stoppers of Citrus County at 1-888-ANY-TIPS.

“To the members of the Copeland Park community and Mr. Hopkin’s family, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office wants to bring you justice for your loss, but we need your help,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast.

“It is your knowledge, tips, and information that will help detectives build a rock solid case which can then be brought before a judge. If you know anything, please speak up.”