Woodlands Man Charged with Capital Murder, Robbery

THE WOODLANDS, TX – A Conroe man has been charged with capital murder in connection with the December shooting death of a resident in The Woodlands, authorities announced. Robert Copeland, 49, was arrested on March 11, 2024, for the murder of 43-year-old Samuel Johnson, whose body was discovered at his home on Waterbend Cove.

The capital murder charge stems from allegations that Copeland not only killed Johnson but also robbed him during the crime, making the offense eligible for the more severe charge under Texas law. Investigators believe a substantial sum of cash, estimated to be between $100,000 and $200,000, was stolen from Johnson, who was reportedly known to carry large amounts of money for his business.

Johnson was found deceased in his residence on the morning of December 22, 2023. An autopsy later confirmed he had been shot multiple times on December 21, 2023.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Homicide/Violent Crimes Unit launched an extensive investigation into Johnson’s death. Their efforts involved piecing together various crucial details. Surveillance video obtained from a neighbor’s home played a significant role, showing a suspect arriving at and departing Johnson’s Waterbend Cove residence in a black Mercedes C-Class sedan around the time of the murder.

Forensic evidence was also meticulously collected from the scene, including shell casings and bullet fragments, which aided in the ongoing investigation. A key breakthrough came from a witness who reportedly observed Copeland with a large bag of cash matching the description of the money stolen from Johnson.

The evidence gathered by the MCSO, with assistance from the Texas Rangers and the Precinct 3 Constables Office, was presented to a Montgomery County Grand Jury. On March 7, 2024, the Grand Jury returned an indictment against Copeland for Capital Murder, paving the way for his arrest.

Copeland was taken into custody in The Woodlands on March 11. He is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Jail, a standard procedure for individuals charged with Capital Murder in Texas.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released further details regarding potential motives beyond the alleged robbery. Copeland’s next steps will involve the legal process, including arraignment and subsequent court proceedings.