A 25-year-old man from Indiana has been sentenced to 36 years in prison for attempting to kill his then-17-year-old girlfriend by throwing her in front of an oncoming train. Di Morriea Turner was convicted of multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, aggravated battery, and domestic battery by means of a deadly weapon.
The Crime and Investigation
The incident occurred on June 19, 2019, when Turner and his girlfriend were involved in a heated argument. According to police, the couple had been arguing throughout the morning, with the victim believing Turner had been unfaithful.
When they stood near a train track, Turner admitted that both he and the victim were aware a train was approaching. He claimed he “grabbed” her because he didn’t want her to be on the “other side of the train.”
However, surveillance footage and witness statements contradicted Turner’s version of events. Witnesses reported that Turner appeared to have his girlfriend in a “bear hug” and then “hurled” her over his shoulder into the path of the moving train.
The victim was struck by the train and severely injured, requiring multiple surgeries, including reconstructive surgery on her face. Turner also sustained injuries during the incident.
Sentencing and Aggravating Factors
Delaware County Circuit Judge John M. Feick sentenced Turner on Wednesday, listing numerous aggravating factors in his ruling.
Turner was already out on bond for two other criminal cases involving the same victim, and he had a history of similar offenses, including domestic battery in the presence of a child. During his time in custody, Turner also received nine incident reports.
Prosecutor Eric Hoffman expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing that it should serve as a strong message against domestic violence in the county. “This verdict should send a message to everyone in this county that Domestic Violence will never be tolerated,” Hoffman said.
The Victim’s Condition and Recovery
The victim was airlifted to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, where she underwent several procedures due to the severity of her injuries. While she could not recall the exact details of the incident, her recovery continues after facing life-threatening trauma.
