Memphis man convicted for fatally stabbing teen ex and dumping her body on street

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TCD) -- A 25-year-old man was recently convicted of fatally stabbing his 18-year-old ex-girlfriend whose body was discovered on a street in 2020.

According to a news release from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, on Jan. 2, 2020, at approximately 11:30 a.m., witnesses saw Keedrin Coppage drive up to a curb between Jackson Avenue and Maple Drive, where he removed Sabrina Nguyen’s body from his trunk and dumped it near a stop sign. Coppage then reportedly drove away.

Police obtained neighborhood camera footage and confirmed witnesses’ statements, the D.A.’s Office said.

An autopsy report revealed Nguyen suffered 38 sharp-force injuries, including two fatal stab wounds.

Coppage and Nguyen reportedly dated for about a year beginning in late 2018. According to testimony, the D.A.’s Office said Nguyen tried to end their relationship, and Coppage "became angry and aggressive."

On the day of Nguyen’s murder, Coppage was reportedly arrested and later admitted to dumping her body at the intersection. Coppage also admitted to throwing away the clothes he was wearing when he committed the crime.

At the time of Nguyen’s death, Coppage already had outstanding warrants for aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated stalking, and theft of Nguyen’s car, according to the D.A.’s Office.

Prior to Nguyen’s death, Coppage was arrested in December 2019 for various charges after reportedly threatening, assaulting, and kidnapping Nguyen. Nguyen was allegedly going to seek an order of protection after Coppage kidnapped her, the D.A.’s Office said.

On Aug. 7, the D.A.’s Office announced that Coppage was convicted of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. For the murder conviction, Coppage was sentenced to life in prison. He’ll later be sentenced on the tampering conviction.

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• Ex-boyfriend Convicted in Teen’s Murder - Shelby County District Attorney’s Office