MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – A South Carolina father, who in 1989 appeared distraught on TV after finding his dead son, was charged with the boy’s murder this week.
In heartbreaking archived footage, 5-year-old Justin Turner’s father, Victor Lee Turner, is seen going into the family’s camper near their home and quickly backing out, exclaiming, “My son’s in there. Somebody’s hurt him.”
The case of Justin Turner went unsolved for nearly 35 years until advancements in scientific and forensic technology connected the seemingly distraught father and the boy’s stepmother, Megan Turner, to Justin’s murder.
Justin’s body was found stuffed inside a cabinet in the camper with evidence indicating that he had been strangled and sexually assaulted, according to police.
The Turners were arrested at their home in Cross Hill, South Carolina and charged with murder. Investigators believe that Justin’s body was hidden in the camper shortly after his death, and forensic evidence suggests that he died near the time he was last seen alive.
If convicted, Victor and Megan Turner face potential life sentences. Justin’s cousin, who was 8 when he died, addressed the suspected killers during their court appearance, expressing the impact of their actions on the family.
Sheriff Duane Lewis highlighted the tragedy of the case, stating that Justin would have been 40 years old if he were still alive. He emphasized the loss of potential for Justin, who could have gone on to live a full life.