On September 24, 1998, the body of 22-year-old African American female Itisha Camp was discovered behind a business in Salt Lake City, Utah. Although she was originally from Los Angeles, California, Camp had been in Utah at the time of her death. Her body was found by three juveniles in a stairwell known for drug activity. She was partially undressed, with her pants pulled down and a scarf tied tightly around her neck.
The medical examiner determined that Camp died from ligature strangulation and ruled the death a homicide. She had visible injuries to her neck and face, including abrasions and hemorrhaging. At the time of her death, Camp was reportedly using drugs and may have been working as a sex worker.
For over two decades, the case remained unsolved. However, in 2024, DNA evidence collected from Camp's scarf, pants, and back was matched to Chester Dewayne Turner, a convicted serial killer already serving on death row in California. Turner, a former pizza deliveryman, had previously been convicted of 14 murders committed between 1987 and 1998 in Los Angeles County. His victims were primarily African American women, many of whom were sex workers or homeless. One of his victims was six months pregnant. Turner's method of killing often involved strangulation, and he was known to sexually assault his victims.
At the time of Camp's murder, Turner was on parole in California for auto theft and drug-related offenses. Investigators believe he fled to Utah during that period. In June 2024, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill filed an aggravated murder charge against Turner in connection with Camp's death. The DNA match was delayed due to a clerical error in 2013 that prevented the profile from being uploaded to the national database. Once corrected, the match to Turner was confirmed.
Authorities expressed hope that the charge would bring some measure of closure to Camp's family and community. Turner remains incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, and while no court date has been set for the Utah charge, it marks his 15th murder accusation.
