In a recent turn of events in the tragic July 2020 shooting of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, one of the defendants, Jerrion McKinney, has entered an Alford plea. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, McKinney, while maintaining his innocence, acknowledged that the prosecution possessed sufficient evidence for a conviction. He was handed a sentence of 40 years, with the stipulation that he must serve 20.
Jurors will not be hearing McKinney's case, as he took the plea before it could go to trial. Scheduled to stand trial, his co-defendant, Julian Conley, will face proceedings beginning on Monday, FOX 5 Atlanta reports. Taking place in Fulton County Superior Court, Judge Rachelle Carnesale will be presiding.
As reported by Atlanta News First, McKinney was convicted of eight counts of violating the Georgia Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act, as well as two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and other firearm-related charges. McKinney's conviction comes in the backdrop of a city rocked by the turmoil of protests against police brutality, where Turner tragically lost her life.
After the heartbreaking loss, the Turner family established the Secoriea Turner Social Justice Scholarship, promoting the dream of their daughter who wished to attend Spelman College. Atlanta News First reports that Blair Moore, a junior at Spelman College and last year's scholarship recipient, was recognized during a fundraiser reception held yesterday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event took place at 235 Mitchell Street SW, Suite 400, which had earlier been occupied by a mob of armed protestors controlling who came and went.
Taking a step towards honoring Secoriea's memory, the family continues their quest for justice. "We continue to grieve, but we also continue to fight for justice and for a future where Secoriea’s life is remembered, not only in tragedy, but also through opportunity for others," Charmaine Turner, Secoriea's mother, told Atlanta News First in a statement.
