RENO, Nev. (TCD) — A man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for intentionally running into three women with a vehicle outside a homeless shelter in 2023, killing one and critically injuring a mother and her daughter.
The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office announced Jan. 29 that a judge sentenced David Turner to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the first-degree murder of 55-year-old Michelle Jardine. He was also given 20 years with parole eligibility after eight years for the attempted murders of 47-year-old Christina Roman and 22-year-old Clarissa Roman, as well as 20 years with parole eligibility after eight years for three deadly weapon enhancements.
Turner pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2023, according to the district attorney’s office.
On April 3, 2023, Reno Police officers responded to the Cares Campus, a shelter for “vulnerable residents,” in reference to a hit-and-run of three pedestrians. Prosecutors said officers at the scene learned Turner plowed his Jeep into a group of people and killed Jardine, while seriously injuring Christina and Clarissa Roman.
According to the Reno Gazette Journal, Turner was driving 50 mph when he hit the victims.
Clarissa Roman and her mother, Christina Roman, were reportedly giving out donations to homeless community members when Turner drove into them. As a result, Christina Roman broke her back in two places. Her daughter sustained two broken clavicles, a broken ankle, broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and severe road rash, the district attorney’s office said. Clarissa also suffered a brain bleed that later caused a stroke.
Jardine, who was reportedly homeless, died upon impact due to multiple blunt force injuries.
According to the district attorney’s office, Turner told law enforcement officials he intentionally drove into the victims and wanted to kill as many people as possible so he “could return to prison.” The Reno Gazette Journal reports he also said he didn’t have a place to go and was turned away from the shelter.
Jardine’s daughter addressed the defendant during sentencing, stating his “actions had destroyed her entire world and had caused ongoing ripple effects for her family,” according to the district attorney’s office.
She reportedly added, “I hope you look at my face, my face that looks exactly like my mother’s, and you remember that for the rest of your life, whatever that entails.”
Clarissa and Christina Roman also made impact statements at the hearing.
Washoe County District Attorney Chris Hicks commented, “The physical, mental, and emotional impacts of Mr. Turner’s actions will be felt by Clarissa, Christina, and the loved ones of Michelle for the rest of their lives.”
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