In the winter of 2014, the life of 31-year-old James Erik Turns of Granger, Michigan, came to a tragic and abrupt end. The series of events that led to his death began to unfold when he was identified as a suspect in an arson and theft case at a Walmart in Niles, Michigan. Authorities alleged that on the weekend prior to his death, Turns had set a fire in the clothing section of the store and stolen electronics.
Following the incident at Walmart, a manhunt for Turns was initiated.
Law enforcement officials tracked him to his father's residence in the Saddlebrook Subdivision in Granger. When officers arrived to question him, Turns fled on foot, leading to a police chase through the neighborhood. During the pursuit, he reportedly attempted to carjack a woman and tried to gain entry into several homes in the Bridlewood area.
The chase concluded when Turns was discovered near the back door of a home in the Bridlewood subdivision. There, he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The St. Joseph County Metro Homicide Unit investigated the death and confirmed Turns' involvement as the suspect in the Walmart arson and theft. His death was officially ruled a suicide. Consequently, there were no further arrests or suspects sought in connection with the case. James Erik Turns, born on September 14, 1982, was a graduate of Penn High School and had earned an associate's degree in Music Engineering. He worked as an assistant manager at a local discount food store.
