A recent jury decision in D.C. Superior Court has declared 34-year-old Maryland resident, Keanan Turner, guilty in a brutal double homicide of Wanda Wright and her daughter, Ebony Wright. The murders, which took place in Southeast D.C. on April 12, 2021, led to Turner facing an extensive list of charges including two counts of first-degree murder while armed with aggravated circumstances.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announcement, outlined the charges against Turner, which, in addition to first-degree murder, include assault with intent to kill while armed, arson, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The accused was also charged with second degree cruelty to children, an aggravating element stem from his attempts to destroy evidence and endangering a child's life.

The conviction was the culmination of a tragic event stemming from a past relationship between Turner and Ebony Wright, which turned fatally sour when she chose not to terminate a pregnancy sparked between them. Turner's consequent discontent erupted into violence after being served custody and child support lawsuit papers, according to the statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Turner's scheduled sentencing on October 14, 2024, could result in a maximum life sentence due to the aggravating circumstances surrounding the crime.

According to trial evidence, the day of the murder Turner went to Ebony Wright’s apartment under the pretense of meeting his child. Within an hour, Turner opened fire on the family, leading to a harrowing scene where Ebony and Wanda Wright were killed. The assailant also shot Ebony's sister in the face and attempted to set the apartment ablaze, aiming to kill the child inside. Turner's identity was confirmed, in part, by a unique tattoo spotted while tampering with a Ring camera. The sister, despite her grievous injury, managed to save the child and call for help, as noted by the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves together with MPD Chief Pamela Smith announced the jury's decision and recognized the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Korba for his work on the indictment and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Miles Janssen and Emma McArthur for their roles in prosecuting the case. The conviction, highlighting the efficiency of law enforcement processes, brings a measure of closure to a case that deeply affected the Southeast D.C. community and beyond.