Mom chauffeured her 17-year-old son before and after fatal shooting, Kentucky cops say
A mother now faces murder-related charges following a deadly shooting that involved her four children, Kentucky cops say.
The new charges against Amanda Turner, 38, follow the Aug. 25 fatal shooting of 23-year-old Seth Burns. Turner’s 17-year-old son admitted to police that he killed Seth Burns, according to court documents.
The 17-year-old and his 20-year-old brother, Xxavion Turner, were previously arrested, court records show.
Police in Independence said Amanda Turner drove her four children to a home Aug. 25 “for the purpose of fighting” the ex-girlfriend of her oldest son.
“Nearby doorbell video footage shows Amanda Turner leading her four children and Xxavion’s new girlfriend down the street while screaming threats towards the residence,” police said in the criminal complaint obtained by McClatchy News.
The 17-year-old, who officers said did not know Burns, shot Burns in the torso when he approached the home, police said. Burns died after being taken to a hospital.
Barbie Burns said her son died protecting his girlfriend and her friend, WCPO reported.
“He didn’t even know them,” Barbie Burns told WCPO. “He had no idea who they are, but he was trying to protect somebody and I’m very, very proud of him for doing so. It just cost him his life.”
In an interview with police, the 17-year-old told authorities his mother drove him away from the scene “to avoid detection from police,” according to the complaint. She told officers she knew her sons carried guns and still allowed them to engage in the fight, police said.
Xxavion Turner, who is charged with complicity to murder, wanton endangerment and tampering with physical evidence, told officers he took the gun used in the shooting and tried to hide it, a citation states.
On Saturday, Sept. 2, more than a week after the shooting, Amanda Turner was charged with complicity to murder, unlawful transaction with a minor and riot, court records show.
She is being held in jail on a $1 million cash bond.
“(I) can’t fathom a situation where it would be a good idea for a parent to take their child to go engage in a physical altercation,” Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders told WXIX. “Especially a parent who knows that both of their children routinely carry firearms.”
The 17-year-old, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, could be charged as an adult, officials told the Cincinnati Enquirer.
A funeral for Seth Burns was held Monday, Sept. 4.
“In his 23 years, Seth lived a full and meaningful life. He was a beacon of kindness, love, and thoughtfulness, and his legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of those who were fortunate to know him,” according to an obituary.
Independence is in Northern Kentucky about 15 miles south of Cincinnati.
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