CROSS HILL, S.C. – After nearly 35 years, a father and stepmother have been arrested for the murder of their 5-year-old son, Justin Lee Turner. Victor Lee Turner and Megan R. Turner (formerly known as Pamela K. Turner) were taken into custody at their home in Cross Hill, South Carolina, on Wednesday and charged with the cold case murder, according to Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis.
The tragic case dates back to 1989 when Megan, then known as Pamela, reported Justin missing, alleging he never got off the school bus. However, authorities believe Justin was killed before he had the chance to go to school that morning. Two days later, Victor found his son’s strangled body hidden in the Turners’ pickup truck camper on their property.
The cold case was revisited in 2021 for reevaluation using new technology which led to this week’s arrests, the sheriff said. Evidence led to the arrests, including new forensic testing that tied the murder weapon used to strangle Justin to clothing and fabric on his clothing at the time of his death.
Justin’s cousin, Amy Parsons, expressed her desire for justice, stating, “All we want is justice.”
The Turners’ first court appearances are scheduled for March 15. It was not immediately clear if they had attorneys.