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Jury Convicts Lawrence Man of Attempted First Degree Murder and Other Charges



Posted on 6/25/2014 2:45:00 PM

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announced today Lawrence resident JD Turner, 34, was convicted by a jury of attempted first degree murder, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault and domestic battery.

Today’s verdict came despite one of the State’s victims being unavailable. Rebecca Wadkins was unable to be located for the trial so her testimony from an earlier hearing was used.  “I am very pleased the jury was able to reach a verdict in this case,” said District Attorney Branson. He went on to state, “A dangerous person has been taken off the streets of Douglas County.”

Mr. Turner’s defense attorney claimed during closing arguments that an unknown person was responsible for shooting the victim.

Investigation into the case began on Friday, February 14 at approximately 2:15 in the morning when Lawrence Police Officers were dispatched to Dad Perry Park in the 1200 block of Monterey Way to a shooting.  The victim called 9-1-1 and advised Mr. Turner had shot him and had fled the scene in a black BMW.  Officers found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds.  The victim was then transported to the 4000 block of West Sixth   Street and was flown by air ambulance to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.  Mr. Turner was found and taken into custody later that same morning by the Lawrence Police Department.

The trial began Monday, June 23 and the case was presented Monday and Tuesday.  Closing arguments were delivered this morning and the case went to the jury just before noon.  The jury deliberated for an hour and a half before reaching its verdict.

Depending on his prior criminal history, Mr. Turner faces 147-653 months prison for count one, seven to 23 months prison for count two, 11 to 34 months prison for count three and up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for count four.  His sentence will be finalized at a sentencing hearing, which was scheduled for August 7 at 10:00 a.m.

The Honorable Michael J. Malone presided over the case.  It was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Amy McGowan.

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