In the summer of 2006, a horrific crime shook the city of Indianapolis, claiming the life of 8-year-old David Covarrubias and six members of his family in their home on North Hamilton Avenue. The young boy was found murdered alongside his father, Alberto Covarrubias, 56; his mother, Emma Valdez, 46; his older brother, Alberto Covarrubias Jr., 11; his half-brother, Magno Albarran, 29; his half-sister, Flora Albarran, 22; and his 5-year-old nephew, Luis Albarran.
The tragedy unfolded on
the night of June 1, 2006, when what began as a robbery escalated into a mass murder. Police were called to the family's residence just after 10:00 p.m. following a report of gunshots. Inside, they discovered a scene of unimaginable horror, with all seven family members having been shot and killed execution-style. Investigators recovered numerous casings from a high-powered, military-style weapon at the scene.
The investigation quickly led to the identification of two suspects: Desmond Turner and James Stewart. A widespread manhunt was launched for Turner, who had been released from prison just six months prior. Stewart was apprehended the day after the murders, while Turner surrendered to authorities two days later at a fast-food restaurant.
Prosecutors filed a litany of charges against both men, including seven counts of murder, felony murder, criminal confinement, robbery, and burglary. The motive for the brutal crime was believed to be a robbery, with the perpetrators searching for cash and drugs that were rumored to be in the house, though none were found. During the legal proceedings, it was revealed that Stewart's girlfriend claimed he had admitted his involvement in the killings. Desmond Turner was ultimately convicted on all counts and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 88 years. Prosecutors had initially sought the death penalty for Turner but later dropped the request. James Stewart also faced trial for his alleged role in the heinous crime that cut short the lives of David Covarrubias and his entire family.
