Defense claims man killed father in self defense

Witness says victim had history of violent, threatening behavior

SAN ANTONIO – Lawyers for accused killer Jason Turner, 33, portrayed Turner’s father Samuel Dean as a violent, dangerous man.

“If he said he was going to hurt somebody, he would do it,” Sarah Sanchez, the first defense witness, testified.

Sanchez, an admitted prostitute, said she was there the night Turner allegedly shot and killed Dean, Turner’s father. She said Dean was armed with a knife.

“He took it from behind his back and had it in his hand when he was threatening everybody,” Sanchez said.

Though she did not see the shooting she said that Dean had a history of violent behavior and was dangerous when he was on drugs.

Turner fled following the shooting on the night of Aug. 29, 2014, and led police on a high speed chase through the city’s Southeast side. He rolled his truck over, fled on foot and stole another vehicle leading police on another pursuit.

He was captured after he crashed that vehicle into a building.

Turner has a criminal history and is classified as a habitual offender. If he is found guilty he is facing a punishment range of from 25 to 99 years to life in prison.

Testimony will continue on Tuesday in Judge Ray Olivarri’s 399th District Court.


About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.