In the early hours of December 21, 2019, a 911 call led Florence, Alabama police to a residence on Long Lane where they discovered the body of 54-year-old Jeffery 'Bo' Cherry. The male victim had been fatally shot inside the home. His death was officially noted as occurring on December 20, 2019.
Authorities swiftly identified a suspect, Derrick D. Turnley, who was taken into custody in connection with the shooting and subsequently charged with murder.
Reports from the time of his arrest indicated that Turnley was intoxicated, which delayed his initial interview with detectives. The investigation proceeded, and the case eventually went to trial in Lauderdale County.
During the trial, which took place in October 2021, Turnley testified that he had acted in self-defense, stating that he feared for his life after Cherry allegedly grabbed his arm. However, the jury was not swayed by his testimony and returned a verdict of guilty on the murder charge. Jeffery 'Bo' Cherry was a relative of Florence City Councilwoman Kaytrina Simmons. His funeral services were held at the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Florence.
