David Turner: Nevada man sentenced to life in prison for running over and killing homeless woman
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
RENO, NEVADA: A 58-year-old Nevada man who intentionally drove his jeep into a crowd outside a shelter with the desire to return to prison, has now been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
This severe penalty comes after David Wayne Turner murdered 55-year-old Michelle Jardine, who had experienced homelessness herself.
Turner also caused significant harm to Christina 'Diamond' Roman, 47, and her daughter, Clarissa Roman, 23, both of whom were present at Cares Campus in Reno, Nevada, engaging in their family's long-standing weekly tradition of volunteering to assist the homeless, as per Law&Crime.
What happened to Christina and Clarissa?
According to the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office, Diamond suffered two fractures in her back, while Clarissa Roman endured two broken clavicles, a fractured ankle, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, severe road rash, and a brain bleed that led to a stroke.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, Turner not only received a life sentence but also faced an additional 20-year sentence for two counts of attempted murder, along with three deadly weapon enhancements.
Turner, who had pleaded guilty in September 2023, confessed to deliberately driving his Jeep into a group of people on April 3, 2023, with the intent to cause as much harm as possible to secure a return to prison.
Turner expressed his disregard for consequences, stating, "I don't care the consequences I don’t care anymore. I don’t know what to do. I’m done. I’m 57 years old and I’m done."
When questioned by an officer about the intention to kill, Turner replied, “There’s no thought. When you’re going 50 miles an hour and people are standing, come on, you know that’s kill."
During the sentencing hearing, Angelina Blare, Jardine's daughter, joined Diamond and Clarissa for victim impact statements on Monday, January 29, stating, "I hope you look at my face, my face that looks exactly like my mother’s, and remember that for the rest of your life, whatever that entails."
After the significant injuries sustained by Clarissa and Christina Diamond Roman, their family initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, accumulating a total of $86,228 USD.
What did attorney Chris Hicks claim?
Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks stated, "The enduring consequences of Mr Turner’s actions, both physically and emotionally, will persist throughout the lives of Clarissa, Christina, and the families who loved Michelle."
He added, "The selfish act of the defendant has led to him spending the rest of his life behind bars, and he deserves every moment of that sentence. My heart goes out to the Roman and Jardine families, and hope that today’s sentencing allows them a chance to find some peace as they move forward.”
