Deon Turner

Deon Turner, a 31-year-old Black man known for his big smile and selfless nature, was a devoted father to his three children. Described by family and friends as outgoing, funny, and caring beyond words, he was a goofy person who loved to make people laugh. He worked every day to provide for his kids and was a cherished presence in his Middleton, Tennessee, community.

On the morning of March 22, 2019, Deon’s life was cut short during an apparent home invasion at a residence in the 700 block of Britts Chapel Lane. In the attack, Deon was shot and killed. A woman, identified by Deon's aunt as his girlfriend, was also shot and seriously injured. Neighbors were alerted to the tragedy when they saw a helicopter landing at a nearby church to aid the victims.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Office launched a joint homicide investigation. Within days, investigators identified five individuals they believed were responsible for the crime. On March 25, 2019, authorities arrested and charged Kaci Bercham, 19; Terry Martindale, 20; Michael Mayfield, 19; Betty Sparks, 45; and her 23-year-old son, Steven Sparks.

All five suspects were booked into the Hardeman County Jail without bond. They faced numerous charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary, especially aggravated robbery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In the legal proceedings that followed, Betty Sparks was convicted of first-degree murder for her role in Deon Turner’s death.