On May 28, 2011, 22-year-old African American male Jeffrey Demont Turner Jr. was fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Urbancrest, a community near Columbus, Ohio. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. in the 3000 block of Second Avenue, where Turner was present with others. LaRon Brandon Lee Evans, a 19-year-old male and former roommate of Turner, confronted the group with a high-powered rifle, demanding compliance. When Turner did not comply, Evans shot him in the leg.
Despite being rushed to Doctors West Hospital in Columbus, Turner succumbed to his injuries due to significant blood loss.
Investigations revealed that Evans and Turner had a prior relationship that had deteriorated, leading to animosity between them. Evans had previously stolen the firearm used in the shooting from Turner. Following the incident, Evans was charged with aggravated murder. The weapon used in the assault was not recovered at the time of reporting.
Jeffrey Turner Jr. was remembered as a devoted son and father, leaving behind two children, Ja'Niha Turner and Jeffrey Turner III, his parents, Rebecca and Jeffrey Turner Sr., his fiancée, Malessa Scott, and several siblings and extended family members. His funeral services were held on June 6, 2011, at Diehl-Whittaker Funeral Service in Columbus, Ohio.
