Retired Georgia police chief ‘shot dead by nephew with AK-47 at family gathering in Mississippi

A retired assistant police chief from Georgia was shot dead by his nephew at a family gathering in Mississippi, authorities say.  

Almond Turner, 69, was killed on Saturday when his 41-year-old nephew Christopher Denson opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle during a family event at the 1st and 10 Gaming Lounge in Meridian, Mississippi.  

Police say Denson left the recreation center and went to his car to grab the rifle before going back inside. He fired roughly six shots before someone intervened and Denson’s brother wrestled the gun away from him.  

Denson was arrested at his apartment complex and charged with murder on Sunday afternoon. His bond was set at $1million. 

Authorities have not released any information about the motive. 

Almond Turner, 69, (left) was shot dead by his nephew, 41-year-old Christopher Denson (right), during a family gathering in Meridian, Mississippi, on Sunday night, according to police

Police said Denson opened fire with an AK-47 assault rifle on the gathering at the 1st and 10 Gaming Lounge. Family members are seen at the venue after the shooting 

Denson was arrested at an apartment complex and charged with murder on Sunday afternoon 

The suspect is seen at a court hearing on Monday, where his bail was set at $1million

Turner, who had traveled from his home in Covington, Georgia, to attend the family event in Meridian, is survived by his wife, three children and several grandchildren. 

He had a 45-year career in law enforcement and was assistant chief for the Covington Police Department before retiring in 2016. At the time, he was the city’s longest tenured employee. 

The department released a statement about his death on Sunday, calling Turner ‘one of the greatest men who ever wore this uniform’. 

‘The Covington Police Department is just devastated,’ Police Chief Stacey Cotton told The Rockdale Citizen. 

‘We have lost our beloved assistant chief of 20 years and a 45-year employee. It’s just a tragedy. We are asking for everyone to pray for the family.’ 

Another former colleague, Officer Justin Stott, said: ‘Everyone here at the police department is heartbroken, and we can’t imagine what the Turner family is going through right now.

‘It’s an absolute shock and disbelief that that took place, especially at the hands of a family member.’ 

Turner had a 45-year career in law enforcement and was assistant chief for the Covington Police Department in Georgia for 20 years before retiring in 2016

Turner also served on the board of the Newton County School District for more than 30 years.  

‘We are stunned, devastated, and heartbroken,’ Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey said in a statement. 

‘Mr. Turner was a life-long supporter of our community and its school system. He always wanted and fought for what was best for our students and employees and we looked forward to him continuing to serve on our school board into the foreseeable future. 

‘But more importantly, on a personal note, Mr. Turner was my friend and mentor—someone who helped guide me as I began the journey as superintendent of this school system. I will never forget his advice, his kind words of encouragement, and most of all his friendship. 

‘There will never be another Almond Turner. He was truly one of a kind.’   

During his time on the board, Turner used his experience in law enforcement to improve safety measures at area schools, including by installing cameras in all school buses and classrooms. 

Turner also served on the board of the Newton County School District for more than 30 years