Drug deal robber faces up to 13 years, no murder charge

3/4/2010

Markies Turner was in a van with three other men during a drug transaction last May when he took out a gun and robbed the driver, an assistant Lucas County prosecutor said.

One of the four men in the van, Armond Parker, was shot and killed that night. And both Turner and another man, Dujuan Booker, were charged in his death.

Turner pleaded no contest Tuesday to one count of aggravated robbery with a gun specification. As part of the negotiated plea agreement, a murder charge will be dismissed.

He faces up to 13 years in prison when sentenced March 26 by Judge Stacy Cook.

Assistant County Prosecutor Michael Loisel said both Turner and Mr. Parker were at a drug deal about 12:20 a.m. May 1 near Mercer Street and Williamsville Avenue in which Booker was allegedly buying drugs from a fourth man.

He said that Turner pulled out a gun to rob Booker, striking him on the head.

"This defendant robbed him of drugs and money and fled with the other two individuals," Mr. Loisel said. "Ultimately one of the other individuals in the van was shot and killed. This individual was shot twice and the third individual in the van escaped unscathed."

Booker was the shooter, he added.

Mr. Parker, 22, of North Toledo was pronounced dead at the scene, the result of a gunshot wound to the head, according to the coroner's office.

Turner, 23, who was shot in the abdomen, has since recovered. He was initially charged in the shooting death because he initiated the robbery that ultimately resulted in Mr. Parker's death.

Booker, 30, of 14 Southard Ave., was also charged with Mr. Parker's murder and with one count of carrying a concealed weapon. He faces 18 years to life in prison if convicted of the murder and gun specification. A March 15 trial date is set for Booker's case before Judge Gary Cook.