Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley today announced a first-degree murder conviction in the homicide of 33-year-old John Marshall, stabbed to death in a parking lot in a drug-related robbery last summer.

A Suffolk Superior Court jury convicted DAVID COPELAND (D.O.B. 2/2/79) of first-degree murder under the theory of felony murder – homicide committed during the course of a violent felony, in this case armed robbery, of which Copeland was also found guilty.

“John Marshall’s life had value,” Conley said. “He loved his family and was loved by them. Regardless of his choices in life, or the choices of any homicide victim, we strove to speak for him in court and hold accountable the man who took his life.”

Judge Frank Gaziano will sentence Copeland tomorrow. Copeland faces a mandatory life term without the possibility of parole, Conley said.

During five full days of testimony, Assistant District Attorney Edward Krippendorf proved that Copeland and some friends spent the early part of July 29, 2008, consuming crack cocaine with friends in a Regent Street residence. When they ran out of drugs and money to buy more, the evidence showed, Copeland called Marshall.

Evidence showed that Copeland facilitated a drug deal with the victim even though he had no money. Instead, prosecutors showed, he armed himself with a knife and walked to a parking lot near the corner of Regent and Dale streets.

When Marshall arrived, Copeland stabbed him multiple times in the chest. One of those wounds penetrated Marshall’s rib cage and entered his heart. Marshall also suffered slash wounds to his palms, suggesting a futile effort to protect himself during the attack.

Copland left the scene on foot and was seen walking away by a Boston Police officer on patrol. The officer was unaware of the murder at that time but was able to relay his path of flight to additional Boston Police responding to the stabbing.

Boston Police apprehended Copeland inside the Regent Street residence, where he had just showered. Also inside the apartment was the murder weapon wrapped in a bundle of bloody clothes.

Paula Connor was the victim-witness advocate assigned to the case. Copeland was represented by attorney Michael Laurano.