Man pleads guilty to murder in 2021 shooting that killed 2 in Independence
A man pleaded guilty to murder in connection with a 2021 double homicide in Independence, prosecutors announced.
Steven B. Turner, of Higginsville, pleaded guilty Tuesday to second degree murder, first degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action, according to court records.
Turner was arrested after the killing of Billy Davis and Ashley Walker, who were found shot to death inside a car that had crashed into another parked car.
According to court records, officers responded around 6:30 a.m. May 23, 2021 to a crash in the 500 block of South Ash Avenue. At the same time, officers received calls for the sound of gunfire in the area of Kentucky and Huttig avenues.
Responding officers found Davis and Walker in a Jeep Renegade SUV that was riddled with bullet holes, according to court records. They also found several spent shell casings and glass on the ground.
Witnesses identify Turner
Police interviewed two children who were riding bikes and heard the gunfire. According to court documents, they told investigators they heard the sound of a gun being “racked” and shots being fired behind the house. They also told police that the gunfire erupted moments after a man later identified as Turner walked outside.
Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives contacted several family members and friends of Turner. In an interview with police, an acquaintance of Turner allegedly told investigators that Turner previously shot at Davis on two other occasions.
Investigators were able to determine from forensic evidence that the gun used in the shooting of Davis and Walker was the same one used in five other shootings in Kansas City in a two-year span.
Turner allegedly admits to the killing
Police got a tip that Turner was staying at a residence in Kansas City. Independence police, SWAT officers and U.S. Marshals set up surveillance on the home on May 26 to aid in Turner’s arrest.
According to court documents, Turner was seen in surveillance throwing a Glock 10mm handgun from a third-story window shortly before officers took him into custody.
In an interview with police, Turner allegedly admitted to killing Davis and Walker. He shot Davis because another man wanted him dead and threatened to kill Turner’s girlfriend, according to court records.
Turner allegedly told police he noticed Davis’ Jeep was running and saw him inside. He allegedly told police he shot at Davis until the gun was empty, firing 17 rounds total. He allegedly told investigators he was unaware Walker was in the SUV at the time, court records said.
Investigators ran testing of the Glock 10mm firearm recovered from the yard where Turner allegedly threw it out the window. The casing from the test fire showed a match to the shell casings recovered from the homicide, according to court records.
Turner will face sentencing at 1:30 p.m. July 7 in Jackson County Circuit Court.
