William Turnage, 59, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and endangering children in connection with the death of a 16-year-old boy in February 2024. Turnage’s plea deal, announced on Thursday, resulted in the dropping of charges for murder and failure to report a crime.
This decision follows a disturbing case of severe abuse in Hamilton County, Ohio, where Turnage and his then-girlfriend, Tamara Moore, 53, allegedly subjected her adopted son to horrific conditions, leading to his death.
The Gruesome Discovery and Conditions of the Victim
The victim, referred to as J.J., was found dead on February 6, 2024, under horrific circumstances. Authorities revealed that J.J. had been chained to a cot and forced to live in a basement closet. The boy had no food in his digestive system, pointing to extreme starvation.
Prosecutors described his treatment as “worse than an animal,” as he was denied basic human needs and subjected to neglect and cruelty.
Turnage and Moore’s Roles in the Abuse
Tamara Moore, the victim’s adoptive mother, was arrested in April 2024 after authorities discovered the extent of the abuse. Turnage, who was in a relationship with Moore, was initially sought by law enforcement but was apprehended four days after Moore’s arrest.
Both Moore and Turnage face charges related to the boy’s death, with Moore still facing charges of murder and endangering children.
Prosecutor’s Statement on the Case
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers expressed deep outrage over the crime, calling the actions of the defendants “depraved” and stating that the boy had been treated “unwanted, unloved, and denied the most basic of necessities.”
Powers vowed to bring justice for the victim and to ensure that both Moore and Turnage would be held fully accountable for their actions.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Turnage is scheduled for sentencing on August 25, 2024, and faces up to 11 years in prison for his role in the abuse and death. He remains in custody with a bond set at $500,000. Moore, who is still charged with murder and child endangerment, is being held on a $1 million bond.
Her court appearance is scheduled for September 29, 2024, and it remains uncertain whether she will receive the same plea deal as Turnage.
The case has shocked the community and highlighted the severe consequences of child abuse and neglect. As the legal process continues, both the prosecutor’s office and the public remain committed to ensuring justice for J.J., a boy who suffered unimaginable abuse at the hands of those who were supposed to care for him.
