Suspect wanted in murder of Philadelphia police officer's son turns himself in

According to police, Levar Turner Jr. turned himself in to authorities at about 9:50 a.m. Friday.
Friday, April 22, 2022
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- One of the suspects wanted in connection to the shooting death of Hyram Hill, the 24-year-old son of Philadelphia police officer, has turned himself in.

According to police, Levar Turner Jr., 23, turned himself in to authorities at about 9:50 a.m. Friday with his defense attorney, Evan Hughes, by his side

Turner is charged with Murder, Criminal Conspiracy, Robbery and other related offenses, police said.

Hughes said the presumption of innocence will be maintained as the case moves forward.

"It's an absolute shame and certainly we feel for the family, but Mr. Turner is innocent," said Hughes.

Police are still searching for a second suspect.

The deadly shooting happened on Monday, January 24, at 4:40 a.m. on the 1400 block of West Allegheny Avenue.

SEE ALSO: New video released of suspects wanted in murder of Philadelphia police officer's son

Police say Hill had just ended his shift as a bouncer when he stopped at Maria's Mini Mart before heading home.

Surveillance video released Tuesday showed Hill exiting the store, where he was approached by two suspects in an apparent robbery attempt when he was shot.

"Suspect number one abruptly fired through his jacket pocket at Mr. Hill. Mr. Hill attempted to flee westbound on Allegheny Avenue," said Captain Jason Smith of the Philadelphia Police Department.

Video also shows Hill run by a second suspect who fired the fatal shot. Investigators say Hill was targeted.

Hill was taken to Temple University Hospital where he later died from his wounds.

Police: Suspects sought in the shooting death of Philly officer's son


Hill's mother, Edwenna Ferguson, a Philadelphia police officer, had an emotional plea to the public at a press conference on Friday afternoon .

"Hyram was on a clear path to success, and someone took his life," said Ferguson.

Ferguson thanked the public and everyone involved in the investigation for their help.

"The news that I got this morning was overwhelming. I want to thank the public for their help. the Philadelphia police department, the homicide unit, they did an amazing job," she said.

"Robbery is believed to have been the motive for the shooting. Following the homicide, it was discovered that Mr. Hill's privately owned firearm, as well as his iPhone, were apparently taken by the offenders," said Smith.

Both suspects arrived and left the area in a silver Kia Forte that was reported stolen two days before the incident, officials say.

The first suspect was observed on video having a noticeable limp while walking. He was wearing a blue hooded jacket with white stripes on the hood, chest, and arms of the jacket.

The second suspect was also seen on bodycam video talking with police officers about an unrelated domestic incident 15 minutes before the shooting.

SEE ALSO: 'My son was not exempt': Philadelphia cop says murdered son had big dreams

Police said Turner and the second suspect are known narcotics dealers in the area of Broad Street and Erie Avenue.

The City of Philadelphia and FOP Lodge #5 are offering a combined $30,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with tips is asked to contact police at 215-686-TIPS.

Police: Suspects sought in the shooting death of Philly officer's son


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