Memphis, Tennessee – A 25-year-old man in Tennessee has been sentenced to life in prison for the horrific murder of his 4-month-old son and the child’s 32-year-old mother. Enoch Z. Turner stabbed both victims to death in an apparent attempt to avoid legal and financial responsibility for his baby boy.
After a four-week trial, Shelby County District Court Judge Chris Craft handed down the sentence on Saturday. Turner was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder, as well as charges of aggravated child abuse, aggravated arson, and aggravated burglary. Prosecutors revealed that Turner broke into Heather Cook’s home, stabbing her over 100 times, before turning his attention to baby Bentley, stabbing him 10 times. He then set the house on fire in an effort to cover up his heinous crimes.
Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman stated that Turner will never be released from prison, ensuring that he pays for his actions. Hagerman emphasized the significance of motherhood to Cook, and how Cook’s love for her infant son was evident during their short time together. The prosecutors’ mission was to ensure that Turner never sees the outside of a jail cell again.
The tragedy unfolded in September 2019 when deputies and firefighters responded to a fire at Cook’s residence in Bennington Circle. Cook and Bentley were discovered in an upstairs bedroom, both suffering from multiple stab wounds. Tragically, they were pronounced dead at the scene. The fire was intentionally started in the same room.
Turner quickly became a suspect after family members informed investigators about the ongoing custody dispute between him and Cook. He was arrested later that same day. Prosecutors believe that Turner’s motivation for the murders was to evade his paternal responsibilities.
Although initially seeking the death penalty, prosecutors opted for consecutive life sentences after consulting with the victims’ family members. The decision guarantees that Turner will spend the rest of his life behind bars. The family finally received some form of justice on the eve of Mother’s Day, and they can now remember Cook and Bentley with the peace of knowing Turner can never harm anyone again.
The case highlights the devastating consequences of domestic disputes and the need for effective prevention and intervention measures in such situations. It also serves as a reminder of the value of human life and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions