On July 15, 2023, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a violent altercation erupted outside Monica's Riverview restaurant near the 200 block of H Street in downtown Antioch, California. The incident began with a heated exchange among several patrons, which quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. During the melee, more than 70 gunshots were fired, tragically striking 45-year-old Antioch resident Byron Turner Jr. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Additionally, two women sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds during the incident.
The Antioch Police Department responded promptly to the scene, collecting numerous shell casings and interviewing witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. Despite the extensive gunfire and multiple individuals involved, as of December 2024, no arrests have been reported in connection with Turner's death. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Prior to his death, public records indicate that Byron Turner Jr. had encounters with law enforcement. In May 2023, he was arrested in Solano County for charges including carrying a loaded firearm in public, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, and the manufacture or sale of large-capacity magazines. Earlier, in June 2022, he faced similar charges in Contra Costa County, including receiving or concealing stolen property and carrying a stolen loaded firearm. These prior incidents highlight a history of firearm-related offenses leading up to his untimely death.
The community of Antioch remains on edge as the investigation into Turner's death continues. The lack of arrests or identified suspects has left residents concerned about public safety and the potential for further violence. Local law enforcement continues to appeal to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for this fatal shooting.
