Arizona Woman Charged with Murder, Claims Self-Defense Amidst Abuse Allegations
Christina Copley, 41, is facing a second-degree murder charge in Mesa, Arizona, after allegedly stabbing her 82-year-old husband, Ed Copley, to death. She claims self-defense, alleging he was abusive and attacked her first with a knife. However, police state that…
Portland, OR, July 21, 2026 —
Mesa, Arizona – Christina Copley, 41, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of her 82-year-old husband, Ed Copley. The incident, which occurred in Mesa, Arizona, has led to a homicide investigation where Copley claims she acted in self-defense.
According to Copley’s account, her husband initiated the altercation and attacked her first with a knife. She alleges a history of abuse by her husband as the context for the event. However, law enforcement officials have indicated that evidence gathered at the scene, including the severity and nature of Copley’s injuries and statements she made, does not support her self-defense claim.
Neighbors have reportedly corroborated aspects of Copley’s claims, stating that she had previously accused her husband of abuse. Further complicating the case are Copley’s prior legal history. She has existing convictions for assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. Additionally, Christina Copley was recently arrested on charges of domestic violence involving Ed Copley.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the precise circumstances surrounding Ed Copley’s death and to reconcile conflicting accounts of the incident.
Story summarized from the original created by David Baker, Gray News staff on www.kptv.com, see more information here.
