For Immediate Release
April 29, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced a man pled guilty for his involvement in a 2021 double homicide.
Steven B. Turner Jr. pled guilty yesterday to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter. The defendant will be sentenced on July 7 at 1:30 p.m. He faces up to 55 years in prison.
According to court records, Independence police were dispatched to a residence on May 23, 2021, where they found two victims in a vehicle that had been riddled with bullet holes. Both victims had apparent gunshot wounds and later died from their injuries.
Based on witness reports, the defendant was identified as the shooter, who reportedly shot at one of the victims on two previous occasions.
The defendant eventually told detectives he shot into the car, targeting one victim, but did not know another victim was in the car.
Chief Trial Assistant Traci Stansell and Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Erica Frank and Bryson Scott prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.
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Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com