Indianapolis—
Desmond Turner won't face the death penalty for his alleged role in the murders of seven people on Indianapolis' eastside in 2006. Surviving family members are divided over the prosecutor's decision.Members of the Covarrubias and Albarran families were killed at 560 North Hamilton Street on June 1, 2006, in a home invasion robbery.
Within hours, Turner and co-defendant James Stewart were arrested. Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi announced that Turner, the lead defendant, would face the death penalty.
However on September 15th, less than a month before trial, Brizzi announced he was dropping the death penalty option in exchange for Turner's decision to waive his right to a trial by jury.
That decision has surviving family members struggling with a difference of opinion and their commitment to their catholic faith. "Whatever they want to do, they're the professionals," said Mario Albarran, surrounded by his family outside of St. Mary's Catholic Church minutes before a memorial service was set to begin. "If they believe that's the best for the family, I trust them."
"I think sometimes people miss the picture here, and they don't know everything that's going on," said Kim Fisher Albarran. "Therefore, they can't make a judgement. People are so quick to judge, and my main concern is my child."
Brizzi indicated he had doubts about what evidence the judge would allow into the trial and said preliminary polls found two out of three potential jurors were fundamentally opposed to the death penalty.
"I don't believe in the death penalty, but I'm not happy with the decision of Turner getting away with life imprisonment," said Janie Covarrubias. Janie, who lost a father and two brothers in the killings, said she favored the prosecutor's decision until she got a look at the crime scene photos.
"I"m a Catholic girl, and that's why it's hard for me to say that I would prefer him to be killed to be given the death penalty. Right now, I'm in so much confusion because seeing those pictures and seeing what they did to my family."
Turner faces trial October 12th. He could receive life without parole or more than 400 years in prison.
Stewart goes to court in late November.
