Gathering held for Jena man killed in ambush shooting; family still hopeful that gunmen will be identified

JENA, La. (KTVE/KARD) — Leon Turner was killed in 2020 while working under the hood of his car when several gunmen appeared out of nowhere and opened fire in what officers described as an “ambush-style shooting”. On October 5, 2024, Turner’s family and friends celebrated what would have been his 49th birthday just blocks away from where the shooting occurred in Jena, La. While still devastated by the events that took place 4 years ago, they haven’t lost hope that the gunmen will one day be identified.

I got hope that they will be caught. Justice will be served.

Amy Jenkins, family friend

The gunmen responsible for Turner’s death have never been identified. Turner’s family says they are still holding out hope that a suspect will one day be indicted. Turner’s 16-year-old daughter, Jayda, says she wishes the gunmen would come forward.

I wish they would come forward because you would want someone to do the same thing for you, like you wouldn’t want nobody to hide.

Jayda Turner, Leon Turners’ daughter

Longtime family friend Amy Jenkins says she is hurt by the outcome of the situation. She states that she is “unpleased” with not knowing what truly happened to her friend.

It’s just hurtful for Shawn (Leon Turner) to come from this community; you know he was a loving person; he cared about people and how his life was taken, it’s unfair, and I am very unpleased with the outcome of not knowing.

Amy Jenkins, family friend

Those who attended the gathering released balloons and shouted happy birthday in Turner’s honor. Turner’s family would like to remind the community that a $5,000 cash reward is still available to anyone that can help solve the four-year-old case.