On February 20, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Odessa, Florida, when 78-year-old Joanne Turrell was found dead in her home on the 16000 block of Colwood Drive. The discovery was made by a neighbor who had been asked by Joanne's daughter to check on her mother.
When the neighbor entered the home, she found Joanne Turrell deceased and covered with a blanket. She immediately contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which received the call at around 7:13 p.m.
Deputies arrived at the scene and found Joanne in the same state as described by the neighbor.
During the investigation, deputies located Joanne's son, Douglas Turrell, 53, in a locked bedroom within the home. A firearm was found near him. Through their investigation, detectives determined that Joanne Turrell had been shot and killed.
As a result of the findings, Douglas Turrell was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office expressed deep sorrow over the incident, with Sheriff Chad Chronister stating, "Our heart breaks for the friends and family of this woman whose life was not only tragically ended but done so at the hands of her son. Joanne Turrell was celebrating her 78th birthday. A time that should have been filled with joy and beautiful memories. Instead, we are now trying to piece together what resulted in it ending in such heartbreak."
The community was shocked by the news, with neighbors describing Joanne as a wonderful person. The investigation into this homicide is ongoing, with further updates to be provided by the Public Affairs Office of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
