Atlanta, Georgia, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Julian Conley has been convicted of murdering 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, stemming from a tragic shooting incident during protests. The Fulton County jury found him guilty on multiple charges, including murder and aggravated assault. Conley, who was involved in gang-related activities, faces a life sentence without parole. The case has raised critical discussions around public safety during protests and the implications of violence in such charged environments, reflecting ongoing societal issues related to justice and accountability.
Atlanta, Georgia – A Fulton County jury has convicted Julian Conley of the murder of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner. The verdict was delivered on Friday, September 26, 2025, following a trial that highlighted the tragic shooting during protests sparked by the police killing of Rayshard Brooks in 2020.
Conley was found guilty on multiple charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and several gun and gang-related counts. He faced a total of 19 counts, with convictions on counts 1 through 8 and counts 13, 14, 15, and 17. However, he was acquitted on some charges, including three gang-related counts. As a result of the severity of the crime, Conley was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The incident occurred on July 4, 2020, when Secoriea was a passenger in an SUV that was shot at near a barricade set up during protests, which attracted armed individuals. Due to escalating safety concerns, police had abandoned the area at night. Conley’s actions drew significant attention during the trial, particularly when jurors viewed surveillance footage of him allegedly firing shots into the Jeep carrying Secoriea.
Prosecutors asserted that Conley was a gang member involved in activities aimed at intimidating the community. The court’s decision reflects a broader societal concern regarding violence during protests, which have gathered momentum nationwide as movements against police brutality and racial injustice have surged. In the same legal context, another man, Jerrion McKinney, pleaded guilty earlier this month to aggravated assault and related charges, resulting in a 40-year sentence with 20 years to serve.
The case has raised ongoing questions about the responsibilities of city officials and law enforcement during protests. Following the verdict, Secoriea’s parents urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence available, visibly expressing their grief over the loss of their daughter. The judge commented on Conley’s “reckless disregard for the life of this child” during sentencing, emphasizing the brutality of the shooting.
This case stands as a tragic reminder of the violence that can unfold in charged environments, reflecting the painful realities many communities face amidst widespread protests for justice.
FAQ
- Who was convicted in the Secoriea Turner case? Julian Conley was convicted of the murder of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner.
- When did the jury deliver the verdict? The verdict was delivered on Friday, September 26, 2025.
- What charges was Conley found guilty of? Conley was found guilty on multiple charges, including murder, aggravated assault, and several gun and gang-related counts.
- Was Conley acquitted of any charges? Yes, Conley was acquitted on some charges, including three gang-related counts.
- What was the date of the shooting? The shooting occurred on July 4, 2020.
- What happened to Secoriea Turner during the incident? Secoriea was a passenger in an SUV when the shooting took place.
- What sentence did Conley receive? Conley was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- How many counts did Conley face in total? Conley faced a total of 19 counts.
- What was the social context of the shooting? The shooting occurred near a barricade set up during protests following the police killing of Rayshard Brooks.
- What did Secoriea’s parents request after the verdict? Secoriea’s parents urged the judge to impose the maximum sentence and expressed their grief over their daughter’s death.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Convicted Individual | Julian Conley |
| Verdict Date | September 26, 2025 |
| Charges Convicted | Murder, aggravated assault, gun and gang-related charges |
| Acquitted Charges | Three gang-related counts |
| Incident Date | July 4, 2020 |
| Victim | Secoriea Turner |
| Sentence | Life in prison without the possibility of parole |
| Total Counts Faced | 19 counts |
| Another Individual Involved | Jerrion McKinney |
| McKinney’s Sentence | 40 years with 20 years to serve |
| Context of Shooting | Protests following the police killing of Rayshard Brooks |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Police Brutality
- CBS News
- Google Search: Secoriea Turner
- 11 Alive
- Google Scholar: shooting death of Secoriea Turner
- AJC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protests
- US News
- Google News: Julian Conley
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
