Betty Tice Turner, a 62-year-old woman from Durham, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on January 12, 2015. Betty, who was a co-owner of J.T. Tire in Durham, was shot and killed by her daughter, Rebekah Turner Maxwell, inside the family-owned business. The incident occurred on East Geer Street, the same location where Betty's husband, John Turner, had been wounded in a previous shooting in 2012. Betty was a beloved member of her community, known for her kindness and generosity.
She was always available to help others, often making cakes and desserts for her friends and family during holidays.
Rebekah Turner Maxwell, 38 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. She was held without bond and remained in jail. Investigators did not specify what led to the incident, but it was noted that Rebekah had struggled with mental illness and had recently separated from her husband. The tragic event shocked the community, as Betty was remembered as a kind-hearted person who was always there for her family and friends.
The family-owned business had previously been the site of another tragedy in March 2012, when five people were shot inside the tire shop. Two people were killed, and Betty's husband, John Turner, was one of the survivors. The suspect in the 2012 shooting, O'Brian McNeil White, was later arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of robbery with a dangerous weapon. His trial was scheduled for March 2, 2015.
Betty Tice Turner's death was a devastating loss for her family and the community. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her memory continues to be cherished by those who knew her. The investigation into her murder highlighted the ongoing struggles within the family and the impact of mental illness on their lives.
