DOJ secures multiple convictions including Murder First in fatal Newark pedestrian collision

A New Castle man has received multiple convictions following his involvement in a crash that killed one bystander and wounded others in April 2025.

On June 5, Gordon Turner, 23, was convicted of Murder First Degree, Manslaughter, two counts of Assault First Degree, 6 counts of Assault Third Degree, two counts of Possession of a Deadly Weapon During the Commission of a Felony, Disregarding a Police Signal, Reckless Endangering Second Degree, and Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

"The reckless and cowardly actions of the defendant can never be undone - but this result is a critical step towards justice for those that he victimized and their families," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "As we move towards sentencing, I will ensure that my office continues to be uncompromising in its pursuit of justice in this case. I'm grateful to our DOJ trial team and our law enforcement partners in Newark for their diligent work in securing these convictions."

"This was a senseless tragedy that deeply impacted our entire community," said Newark Police Department Chief Mark Farrall. "This conviction is an important step toward justice for the victims and their families, who have endured unimaginable loss and pain. I could not be prouder of the Newark Police Department employees who responded to this tragic incident, managed an extraordinarily difficult scene, and carried this case forward with professionalism, compassion, and resolve."

On April 29, 2025, Gordon Turner fled from the Newark Shopping Center onto E. Main in a stolen U-Haul truck after police approached him in the stolen vehicle. As he fled, he struck and killed University of Delaware student Marina Vasconcelos and critically injured another UD student. Several other students suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Turner faces a minimum mandatory sentence of life in prison for these charges. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

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