Teenager Pleads Guilty to Killing Kentucky Man Over Social Media Posts Neither Made

A teenage killer was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison in the death of man over an argument that started online — and that the victim was not involved in.

Jackie Turner, who was 17 when he shot 23-year-old Seth Burns to death on August 25, 2023, pleaded guilty to murder in July. And he is the fifth person to plead guilty in connection with the murder, including his mother and two sisters, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. His older brother, 22-year-old Xxavion Turner, is set to go on trial in November.

Turner admitted in July that his mother, 39-year-old Amanda Turner, drove the entire family plus Xxavion’s girlfriend to the Kenton County home, knowing that both he and his brother were armed and that there was going to be a fight.

The family was angry over social media posts  involving Xxavion Turner’s girlfriend, Emma Ryan, and Xxavion’s ex-girlfriend, who was dating Seth Burns, Law&Crime reported. Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders told The Enquirer the posts included “insults about children and parenting skills, or lack thereof.”

Amanda Turner pleaded guilty last week to charges that included facilitation of murder and was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison. Doorbell camera video showed her leading her entire family group down the street, screaming,  toward the home where Burns was spending time with his girlfriend, the criminal complaint said.

But when they arrived, Burns came outside and Jackie Turner shot him. The Turners fled the scene.

The two sisters, Lakera Hughes and Keavier Turner, and Ryan have already pleaded guilty to rioting and unlawful transaction with a minor. They will be sentenced later this year.

In a victim impact statement, Seth Burns’ father, Michael Burns, wrote that his son didn’t even know the Turner family group.

“He was a huge part of all of our lives and it’s a hard pill to swallow knowing that he died completely innocent,” Michael Burns said.

Kenton County Circuit Judge Kathleen Lape said the whole situation was senseless.

“It was dumb,” said Lape, according to WCPO. “This is absolutely dumb.”

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Featured image: Jackie Turner, left, and Amanda Turner, right/Kenton County Jail. Center: Seth Burns/Facebook]