Turner, who served as Covington's assistant police chief and was on the Newton County School Board, died after a shooting during a family gathering Saturday, according to WSB-TV.
Covington police told WSB-TV that the suspected shooter is Turner's nephew, Christopher Denson.
On Sunday afternoon, the Covington Police Department announced that law enforcement officers in Mississippi had arrested Denson at his apartment without incident.
Turner had served on the Newton County School Board since 1996, and he retired from the Covington Police Department in 2016 after 45 years on the force.
“The Covington Police Department is devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of Assistant Chief Almond Turner,” said a statement released Sunday afternoon by police spokesman Justin Stott. “We are all shocked by the news. Our hearts go out to the Turner family as they try to understand what happened during this terrible tragedy. Our focus right now is on the Turner family and surrounding and supporting them any way we can.”
While on the school board, Turner led efforts to install cameras in all school buses and classrooms, according to the school district. He also worked to ensure that school policies were fair to students, teachers and administrators.
“We are stunned, devastated and heartbroken,” said Newton County Schools Superintendent Samantha Fuhrey. “He always wanted and fought for what was best for our students and employees.”
Turner graduated from R.L. Cousins High in Newton County in 1968 before attending Fort Valley State College, DeKalb Community College, Troy University and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, according to the school district.
Turner was a deacon at Springfield Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, three children and several grandchildren.
About the Author