May 22, 2009 DA: Harvard shooting result of "drug rip" Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer) - We are learning more about the suspect now charged in the shooting death of a man at a Harvard University dorm. Authorities say the gunfire was the result of a drug-related robbery.

Jordan Copney, A New York city songwriter, his attorney says has written songs for groups like New Edition, is now being held without bail, charged in the murder of Justin Cosby at Harvard.

21-year-old Justin Cosby was shot and killed inside a Harvard University dormitory Monday. Prosecutors now believe he was selling marijuana to students. The motive for the shooting - a "drug rip" that went bad.

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone: "A drug rip by Jordan Copney who traveled from New York City with two other men to rob Justin Cosby of a large amount of marijuana and money."

21-year-old Jordan Copney turned himself into authorities Thursday evening. The professional songwriter from New York had apparently been dating a Harvard senior. He has visited campus frequently and may have been familiar with the victim.

Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone: "The common denominator between the Harvard students, the suspect and man who is dead, the common denominator was drugs and money."

Copney did not show his face in court during his arraignment. He pleaded not guilty.

"My client is shell shocked by these developments, he has no criminal record whatsoever and is the son of a New York City police officer who is retired."

Prosecutors

have not said who pulled the trigger. They are still looking for two other men who may have fled back to New York after the shooting. But a murder inside the Kirkland House dormitory has shaken many students, especially details of a drug deal gone bad. Nami Sung, Harvard Senior: "Drugs are always on college campuses but I never expect that here."

Jeff Lee, Kirkland House Resident: “There is a small percentage of it that occurred but have something happen so violent, no one really expects that."

Jennifer Ames, Harvard Senior: “I think people will be a little more careful around campus and not let people piggy back coming into the dorms.”

That’s because prosecutors believe two Harvard students let the victim and suspects into that dormitory. In light of the new details about possible drug dealing, Justin Cosby’s family released a statement saying, "We are still in disbelief of the horror and shock of Justin’s murder. He was not a "hoodlum" or "gangster"… He was looking forward to picking up new studies, furthering his aspirations to become successful and marrying his long-time girlfriend."