Filmed crying in 1989 when the body of his 5-year-old son was found, a father was finally accused of the murder and arrested on Wednesday, alongside the little boy’s stepmother.
Victor Lee Turner and Megan R. Turner were arrested at their home in Cross Hill, South Carolina, CBS News reported.
Justin Lee Turner, then 5 years old, was found dead on March 5, 1989 in a closet in the family trailer, two days after being reported missing.
Videos from the time then showed the father opening the door of the vehicle, going in and then coming out, telling the search team: “My son is here,” reported the American channel.
Investigators only reopened the investigation in 2021, under the pretext of new technologies. They were able to re-analyze information collected from the autopsy and at the scene, leading to the arrest of Victor and Megan Turner, formerly known as Pamela Turner.
“We have dedicated our detectives to analyzing and investigating criminal cases where certain factors have prevented the timely resolution of the case,” said Berkeley County Sheriff Duane Lewis.
“These detectives have worked hard to ensure that Justin Lee Turner’s life is not forgotten and that his killers are brought to justice,” he added.
Authorities said in court documents Wednesday that the little boy was strangled in the family’s home early in the morning of March 3, 1989. The possible murder weapon was found in the Turner home, uncovering evidence that could link it to the crime.
Investigators believe the small body was hidden in the trailer shortly after the murder.
