In Baltimore, Maryland, a dispute between two women escalated to a fatal conclusion on the evening of March 18, 2025, ending the life of 31-year-old Shy’Keema Turner, a Black female. The incident unfolded in the 700 block of East Preston Street at approximately 5:56 p.m., when patrol officers responded to a report of a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Turner with a gunshot wound to her upper body.
She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The investigation into Turner's death revealed a tumultuous history with 26-year-old Unique Thorn. On the day of the shooting, the two were involved in a physical altercation that had reportedly been brewing over a man. The conflict turned violent earlier in the day when Turner allegedly slashed Thorn in the back. In retaliation, Thorn entered her residence and retrieved a handgun. Surveillance and cellphone footage captured the tragic moments that followed, showing Thorn chasing an unarmed Turner down the street before a single gunshot was fired. The bullet struck Turner in the back, exiting through her chest.
Initially, Thorn claimed self-defense during an interview with police on the day of the murder. However, the video evidence contradicted her account, showing her pursuing Turner. Despite her admission to the shooting, Thorn was initially released. A warrant for her arrest on charges of first-degree murder was issued the following day, but by then she had fled the state. The U.S. Marshals Service tracked her to Massillon, Ohio, where she was arrested without incident on April 3, 2025.
Following her extradition back to Baltimore, the legal proceedings against Thorn commenced. On October 14, 2025, Unique Thorn pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and firearm use in a felony crime of violence. As part of the plea agreement, the initial charge of first-degree murder was downgraded. Her sentencing is scheduled for March 10, 2026.
