Indiana Man Sentenced to 36 Years for Hurled Girlfriend in Front of Oncoming Train Amid Cheating Argument
Delaware County, Indiana – A harrowing case of domestic violence ended with a 25-year-old man being sentenced to over three decades in prison for violently attempting to murder his girlfriend by throwing her in front of an oncoming train during an argument over alleged cheating.
Delaware County Circuit Judge John M. Feick sentenced Di Morriea Turner to 36 years in a state detention facility following a jury that found him guilty on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery, and domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon.
A Terrifying Incident Captured on Surveillance
On June 19, 2019, officers from the Muncie Police Department responded to a distress call about a pedestrian being struck by a train near the 500 block of West 23rd Street. First responders found both Turner with injured knees and elbows and his then-17-year-old girlfriend critically injured and bleeding from the head.
Emergency medical services airlifted the victim to Riley Hospital for reconstructive surgery after severe injuries sustained from the train impact. Turner was also hospitalized for his injuries sustained during the incident.
Police obtained surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts that confirmed Turner aggressively pushed or “hurled” the victim in front of the train after the two had been arguing. Witness statements described Turner holding the victim in what appeared to be a “bear hug” and forcefully throwing her into the path of the oncoming train, despite both being aware of the train’s approach.
The Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Outcome
In July, a jury deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Turner on several felony counts. Judge Feick noted several aggravating factors in Turner’s sentencing:
- Turner was out on bond at the time of the attempted murder.
- He faces two additional criminal cases involving the same victim.
- He has a prior history of similar offenses including battery on a minor and domestic battery in the presence of a child.
- Turner had nine incident reports filed against him during incarceration.
The judge also credited Turner with 1,714 days served already.
“I’m very happy with this result,” stated Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman. “This verdict should send a message to everyone in this county that Domestic Violence will never be tolerated.”
Understanding the Motivation Behind the Attack
According to a probable cause affidavit, the argument that led to this violent episode stemmed from the victim suspecting Turner of cheating. The affidavit reveals:
“Turner told police he and [the victim] had been arguing all morning because she thought he had been cheating on her so she packed up some of her belongings and left the residence they were at when the argument took place.”
Despite Turner claiming he grabbed the victim to prevent her from standing “on the other side of the train,” eyewitnesses and surveillance showed a deliberate act of violence.
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Impact and Community Response
This chilling case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of swift justice for victims. The conviction underscores the legal system’s commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, especially minors, and holding offenders accountable.
Key facts from the case include:
- The victim was only 17 years old at the time of the attack.
- Turner received multiple felony convictions.
- The crime involved the use of deadly force with an oncoming train.
- The victim underwent extensive reconstructive surgeries.
For more detailed coverage of this case and other real-life crime stories, visit the original reporting by Law&Crime here.
What This Means for Domestic Violence Cases Going Forward
The strict sentencing sends a powerful deterrent message, emphasizing that violent acts, especially those involving deadly weapons or resulting in life-threatening injuries, will be met with severe penalties. Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies continue to marshal resources to protect victims and ensure justice.
Have you or someone you know been affected by domestic violence? Support is available, and speaking out is vital to prevention.