In a tragic turn of events on June 1, 2006, 46-year-old Emma Valdez was killed in her Indianapolis, Indiana home in what has become known as the Hamilton Avenue murders. Six other members of her family, spanning three generations, were also killed in the brutal attack. The victims included her husband, Alberto Covarrubias, 56; their two sons, Alberto Covarrubias Jr., 11, and David Covarrubias, 8; Valdez's adult daughter, Flora Albarran, 22; her adult son, Magno Albarran, 29; and Flora's
five-year-old son, Luis Albarran.
The horrific discovery was made after police responded to a 911 call around 10:00 p.m. and found the seven family members deceased inside the house at 560 North Hamilton Avenue. Investigators determined they had been shot with a military-style rifle, and 23 discharged cartridge casings were recovered at the scene. The motive for the mass murder was a robbery, as the perpetrators mistakenly believed there was a safe containing cash and cocaine in the home.
The investigation quickly led police to two suspects: Desmond Turner and James Stewart. Stewart was apprehended the day after the murders during a traffic stop. A widespread manhunt was initiated for Turner, who turned himself in to authorities two days later at a fast-food restaurant. Both men were subsequently charged with seven counts of murder, among other charges.
During the legal proceedings, it was revealed that Turner and Stewart had entered the home with the intent to rob the family. The situation escalated when Magno Albarran confronted the intruders with a gun. Stewart's girlfriend later testified that he had confessed his involvement in the shootings to her. Despite a lack of direct physical evidence or a murder weapon, the prosecution built a strong case based on witness testimony and circumstantial evidence.
In November 2009, Desmond Turner was convicted on 23 counts, including seven counts of felony murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 88 years. In January 2010, James Stewart was also found guilty on multiple counts, including seven of felony murder, and received a sentence of 425 years in prison. Both men's convictions were later upheld on appeal, although one of Stewart's lesser convictions was vacated.
