Kankakee Shooting: Charges Shift to Twin

Kankakee County Circuit Judge Kathy Bradshaw-Elliott dismissed attempted murder charges against Dezuan Turner-Owens on Monday. The judge ordered his release from jail during the hearing. Additional charges in the case were also dropped.

Court records show that prosecutors filed attempted first-degree murder charges against Dezuan's twin brother, Dejour Turner-Owens. Dejour also faces charges for aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Authorities confirmed his arrest.

The legal shift follows a shooting incident on Oct. 26. A 39-year-old Kankakee man told police he was walking down East Court Street when Dezuan Turner-Owens pulled up beside him in a car. The victim said the driver confronted him about comments made online. The suspect threatened the victim and then opened fire.

Kankakee police arrested Dezuan Turner-Owens last week in connection with the incident. A preliminary investigation indicated gunfire was exchanged between a car occupant and a man on foot. Officers recovered a firearm and bullets near the scene. They also located the vehicle believed to be involved.

Kankakee County State’s Attorney Jim Rowe stated the victim suffered gunshot wounds to his left hand and back. Rowe noted the bullets narrowly missed the victim's spine. The victim was transported to Riverside Medical Center for treatment, where officers interviewed him.

Court records reveal a prior legal history for the newly charged defendant. Dejour Turner-Owens was charged with attempted murder in 2020 but found not guilty after a jury trial. He pleaded guilty to a 2019 felon in possession charge in 2021. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in 2019. He received prison sentences for both cases but received credit for time served in jail.