Second Curtis Turner murder suspect pleads not guilty, waives hearing

tstevens@ledger-enquirer.comNovember 12, 2013 

Laquinton Robinson

After his preliminary hearing was delayed Nov. 7, Laquinton Jamel Robinson chose to waive it altogether.

The 21-year-old murder suspect entered a not guilty plea to his charges Tuesday during his second Recorder's Court appearance. He is charged with the July death of 32-year-old Curtis Lee Turner, who was found crashed into a North Oakley Drive residence with a bullet to the head.

During the brief Tuesday hearing, Robinson faced charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

Robinson joins 24-year-old David Lee Morris as a suspect in Turner's death. No details about Robinson's alleged involvement have been released.

In a late August preliminary hearing for Morris, police alleged that the fatal shooting occurred after Turner gave a cocaine dealer counterfeit money.

Det. Katina Williams relayed to the court that a surviving victim said the two traveled to Victory Trailer Park in order to pick up some crack cocaine from a man named "Black" — Morris' alias, police allege. Shortly after Turner and the surviving victim left, a large truck started chasing them down Buena Vista Road.

Eventually, the high speed chase gave way to open fire from the imposing truck. After attempting to dodge the gunshots for several side streets, a bullet shattered the back windshield and hit Turner in the back of the head, causing him to crash into the residence.

According to Williams, Morris alleged a man named J.C. Robinson was the gunman the night of Turner's death. Morris' attorney Stacey Jackson protests that the questioning was done against the wishes of his client, as he said his client had stated he did not want to speak without his attorney present.

It is unclear whether J.C. Robinson is Laquinton Robinson.

Nov. 7, Robinson faced burglary and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute after he was accused of participating in a burglary ring. Police believe Robinson, along with four others, are responsible for 26 burglary and theft cases in east and north Columbus.

Robinson's charges were given no bond, in anticipation of his hearing on the murder charge.

During Tuesday's hearing for Robinson, Cielinski set his bond at $30,000. No bond was given for Robinson's charges of murder and aggravated assault.


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