Twin Charged After Judge Dumps Murder Case Against Bourbonnais Man

Kankakee County Circuit Judge Kathy Bradshaw-Elliott dismissed attempted murder charges against Dezuan S. Turner-Owens on Monday. The ruling came just days after Kankakee police arrested the 28-year-old Bourbonnais man in connection with an Oct. 26 shooting. The judge also ordered his release from jail and dropped additional charges in the case.

Prosecutors moved the case to Dezuan’s twin brother, Dejour Turner-Owens. Court records show new charges filed against him for attempted first-degree murder. He also faces counts 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 incident involved a 39-year-old Kankakee man walking down East Court Street. The victim told police that Dezuan Turner-Owens pulled a car up beside him. The victim said the driver confronted him about comments he had made online. The victim stated the shooter threatened him before opening fire.

Police reports indicate gunfire was exchanged between the car occupant and the man on foot. Officers recovered a firearm and bullets near the scene. They also located the vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting.

State’s Attorney Jim Rowe said the victim suffered gunshot wounds to his left hand and back. Rowe noted the bullets narrowly missed the victim’s spine. The victim was taken to Riverside Medical Center for treatment. Officers interviewed him at that facility.

Dejour Turner-Owens has a prior criminal record in Kankakee County. He was charged with attempted murder in 2020 but found not guilty after a jury trial. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to a 2019 charge of felon in possession of a firearm. He also pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in 2019. He received prison sentences for both convictions and received credit for time served in jail.