Former Orlando police Officer Dennis Turner was fatally shot outside a home on Kozart Street in Orlando on Thursday night, with the suspect, Jeffery London, fleeing the scene in what police describe as a family dispute.Randy Jones, a neighbor, said he heard gunshots just before 7 p.m. and initially thought it was fireworks.”Well, I thought it was something going on with New Year’s,” Jones said.Turner, who served for 23 years on the force before retiring, was found lying on the ground in front of the house when police responded to reports of shots being fired.Investigators identified Jeffery London, listed in property records as a co-owner of the property, as the suspect who fled the scene. People at the home declined to discuss a possible motive, which police described as a family dispute.Neighbor Michelle Barnes described London as a “decent guy” who had been taking care of the home since his mother passed away. “Shocking. And for the person they got arrested, that’s just out of his character,” Barnes said. “He’s a good person, you know? They had to be doing something to him because he doesn’t bother anybody.”Turner, a former school resource officer, was previously questioned and disciplined for arresting two elementary school students at Lucious and Emma Nixon Academy in September 2019.Former Police Chief Orlando Rolon expressed his condolences, saying, “Retired Officer Turner served our community with dedication and professionalism throughout his career. His passing is a profound tragedy, and my thoughts are with his family as they navigate this difficult time.”Rolon also noted, “This incident is also a stark reminder that gun violence and domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of background or profession.”Police did not provide details about the family relationship between Turner and London.The suspect, Jeffery London, is facing a first-degree murder charge and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Former Orlando police Officer Dennis Turner was fatally shot outside a home on Kozart Street in Orlando on Thursday night, with the suspect, Jeffery London, fleeing the scene in what police describe as a family dispute.
Randy Jones, a neighbor, said he heard gunshots just before 7 p.m. and initially thought it was fireworks.
“Well, I thought it was something going on with New Year’s,” Jones said.
Turner, who served for 23 years on the force before retiring, was found lying on the ground in front of the house when police responded to reports of shots being fired.
Investigators identified Jeffery London, listed in property records as a co-owner of the property, as the suspect who fled the scene. People at the home declined to discuss a possible motive, which police described as a family dispute.
Neighbor Michelle Barnes described London as a “decent guy” who had been taking care of the home since his mother passed away. “Shocking. And for the person they got arrested, that’s just out of his character,” Barnes said. “He’s a good person, you know? They had to be doing something to him because he doesn’t bother anybody.”
Turner, a former school resource officer, was previously questioned and disciplined for arresting two elementary school students at Lucious and Emma Nixon Academy in September 2019.
Former Police Chief Orlando Rolon expressed his condolences, saying, “Retired Officer Turner served our community with dedication and professionalism throughout his career. His passing is a profound tragedy, and my thoughts are with his family as they navigate this difficult time.”
Rolon also noted, “This incident is also a stark reminder that gun violence and domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of background or profession.”
Police did not provide details about the family relationship between Turner and London.
The suspect, Jeffery London, is facing a first-degree murder charge and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
WESH 2 News
Suspect arrested after retired Orlando police officer shot, killed in family dispute, OPD says