Markeese DeShawn Turner, a 26-year-old resident of Pensacola, Florida, lost his life to gun violence on April 28, 2024. The incident occurred during an adult birthday party at West Jackson Square, where Turner and two other individuals, Michael Carstarphen and Trashawn Powers, were targeted in a violent ambush.
The shooting happened around 1:15 a.m. when the victims were inside a parked Ford Mustang convertible.
According to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, the attackers parked nearby, walked through a yard to approach the car, and then fired multiple rounds at close range. Sheriff Chip Simmons described the incident as a "targeted ambush" rather than a random or drive-by shooting, suggesting it may have been in retaliation for a past incident.
One of the victims, Michael Carstarphen, had been released from state prison just eight days prior to the shooting, having served time for fraud, drug charges, and a gun charge. The sheriff's office seized the car and other evidence, including cell phones, and is working to obtain search warrants and gather more video and information to aid in the investigation.
As of the current date, no suspects have been arrested or charged in connection with the murder of Markeese Turner and the other two victims. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office or CrimeStoppers.
Markeese Turner's death has left a profound impact on his family and friends, who remember him for his vibrant spirit and the love he shared with many. Funeral services for Turner were scheduled to take place at Tracy Morton Memorial Chapel and First Baptist Church of Warrington, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.
