Parents of slain teen advocate for mental health reform as suspect appears in court
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — The teen accused of murdering 13-year-old Savannah Copeland back in October appeared in court Tuesday.
Malakiah Harris was charged with second-degree murder after Copeland's body was found along a Powell trail in October.
Father of Powell murder victim shares how he learned his daughter was missing
He appeared in court for a quick status hearing Tuesday afternoon, in which the judge set the schedule for the next steps in the case. Harris will be in court again on July 23 for another status hearing. His lawyer said in court they are consulting mental health experts.
Back in November, prosecutors revealed they want to charge Harris as an adult. On Tuesday, the judge set January 20-23, 2026 for a transfer hearing, in which that decision will be made.
Savannah's family was in the courtroom Tuesday.
'We believe in the system that we have and believe in the way that it works. It's frustrating certainly at sometimes but that is what it is,' her dad, Michael, said.
Throughout the legal process, the Powell community has rallied around Savannah's family.
'I can't even express the amount of support we've gotten,' her mom, Amanda, said. 'From the blue lights to thoughts and prayers to well wishes, like it has been overwhelming and it's been beautiful.'
Her impact has gone beyond her hometown. Also on Tuesday, the Tennessee House and Senate passed the Savannah Grace Copeland Act the same day as the hearing. The bill would increase state funding for child advocacy centers across the state.
'Particularly with children who have suffered traumas of some kind at early ages, we need to get to them at early ages and we need to give their family members support, so these kids hopefully can get the necessary love, support, education and access to mental health that they need so that we don't lose them,' Michael said.
Savannah's parents said there's a long way to go with mental health reform in the state, but this first step is the perfect way to honor their daughter.
'She loved life and she lived it so big, so she's very missed by so many,' Amanda said.
The Savannah Grace Copeland Act is headed to the governor's desk to be signed. It is set to go into effect on July 1, 2026.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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