Douglas Turrell: Florida man charged with fatally shooting his mother during her 78th birthday celebration

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

ODESSA, FLORIDA: A 53-year-old Florida man has been arrested and charged with murder after his elderly mother was found dead at their Odessa home on Colwood Drive.

Joanna Turrell, 78, met her tragic end during her 78th birthday celebration. Joanna's body was discovered after her daughter requested a neighbor to check on her.

What happened to Joanna Turrell?

On Tuesday, February 20, around 7 pm, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrived at Colwood Drive after the said neighbor reported Joanne Turrell was dead. Cops found Turrell's body covered with a blanket. 

Turrell's son, Douglas Turrell, 53, was found in a locked bedroom with a gun next to him and was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

After carrying out an investigation, HSCO said that detectives concluded that Joanne had been shot and killed, ABC Action Times reports. Douglas Turrell is currently held in jail without bond.

Joanna Turrell was celebrating her 78th birthday before meeting her tragic end

Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed deep sorrow over the killing, "Our heart breaks for the friends and family of this woman whose life was not only tragically ended but done so at the hands of her son."

He emphasized the poignancy of the situation, noting that Joanne Turrell was celebrating her 78th birthday when the heartbreaking incident occurred. A time meant for joy and cherished memories turned into a somber investigation as authorities worked to unravel the events leading to this tragic incident.

The news sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, with residents expressing disbelief.

Ellen Henderson, who had seen Joanne just the day before, remarked, "I was shocked. I thought maybe she fell, but when I saw the forensic sheriff's cars, I knew it was more than just her falling."

Those who knew Joanne described her as a kind-hearted individual. John Mulvihill, who lived adjacent to her, reflected on the loss, saying, "Anytime anybody dies like that you feel bad, Joanne was a nice person."