On December 22, 2019, Keenan Ivory Turrell, a 29-year-old African American male, was tragically gunned down in the driveway of his mobile home located at 303 23rd Street in Apalachicola, Florida. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening, and Keenan's father, Albert "Sonny" Turrell, also sustained a gunshot wound to his hand during the attack. He was later treated and recovered at Bay Medical Center in Panama City.
The suspect in this case, Michael C. Baucham Jr., a 35-year-old male, was arrested later that night after fleeing the scene on foot and being spotted driving a 2014 black Mazda. The weapon used in the shooting, a .40-caliber Glock handgun, was found on the seat of the vehicle. Neighbors reported hearing multiple shots fired, all of which were confirmed to have come from Baucham's pistol.
Following an August 24 grand jury hearing, Baucham was charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Keenan Ivory Turrell and attempted second-degree murder for the shooting of Sonny Turrell. The first-degree murder charge carries the possibility of the death penalty. Baucham's attorney, Joseph Bodiford, has filed a motion to mount an insanity defense, citing reasons to believe that Baucham may have been insane at the time of the offense. This defense is based on discovery, deposition testimony, and investigation.
The court has determined that Baucham is indigent and entitled to a court-appointed lawyer. However, Bodiford, a board-certified criminal defense attorney, has been retained by Baucham's family. The case continues to unfold as the defense prepares to present its arguments, and the community of Apalachicola remains affected by the tragic loss of Keenan Ivory Turrell.
