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Closing arguments end in Secoriea Turner murder trial
Closing arguments have wrapped in the trial of Julian Conley, accused of shooting and killing 8-year-old Secoriea Turner during protests in Atlanta. Prosecutors say Conley fired the deadly shots, while the defense argues another person pulled the trigger.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - A Fulton County jury has begun deliberations in the trial of the man accused of killing 8-year-old Secoriea Turner during the unrest that followed the police shooting of Rayshard Brooks.
What we know:
Prosecutors say Julian Conley fired the shots that struck the SUV carrying Secoriea on July 4, 2020, as it attempted to drive past an armed barricade at Pryor Road and University Avenue. The barricade had been set up by alleged gang members near the site where Brooks was killed weeks earlier.
Assistant District Attorney Daysha Young told jurors, "He’s a dumb 19-year-old and in a gang. That ain’t an excuse to gun down an 8-year-old." Young also noted Conley came from a law enforcement family and "he knew better."
Prosecutor Adam Abbate pointed to surveillance video, saying Conley wore distinctive red clothing and carried an AR-15-style rifle. "He didn’t know Detective Shepherd would be able to track his red in each one of the cameras," Abbate told the jury.
But survivors of the shooting, including Secoriea’s mother, testified that the gunman wore black, not red. Defense attorney Arnold Ragas told jurors, "The mom and the man behind the wheel all agree Julian didn’t do it… half truths."
The trial turned tense when prosecutors used an animated video during rebuttal to depict their version of the shooting. Defense attorneys objected and requested a mistrial, but the judge allowed the trial to continue.
Conley faces 20 counts, including felony murder, gang charges and gun charges. Prosecutors reminded jurors that under Georgia law, "every part of crime can be charged with and convicted with a commission of a crime."
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- Secoriea Turner: Opening statements in murder trial, detective takes stand
What's next:
Jurors, described as mostly women in their 30s and older, began reviewing the case after closing arguments Thursday. They are expected to deliberate into the evening and, if needed, return Friday.