Atlanta, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Julian Conley has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, following a Fulton County jury conviction. The trial revealed key evidence, including surveillance footage, while the defendant was acquitted of several gang-related charges. Secoriea was tragically shot during a chaotic event linked to nationwide protests, prompting discussions on community safety and the ongoing effects of violence.
Atlanta—Julian Conley was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner. This sentence was handed down by Judge Rachelle Carnesale following Conley’s conviction by a Fulton County jury on September 25, 2025, for a total of 19 charges, including murder and aggravated assault.
During the trial that lasted nearly two weeks, the jury convicted Conley on the majority of the charges, including felony murder and five counts of aggravated assault. However, they found him not guilty on seven out of eight gang-related charges. The key evidence presented included surveillance footage that allegedly showed Conley firing the weapon. The defense contended that there were no concrete witness identifications connecting Conley to the shooting.
The tragic incident occurred on July 4, 2020, amidst nationwide protests following the police killing of Rayshard Brooks. Secoriea was shot while seated in the backseat of a Jeep that approached a makeshift barricade near the Wendy’s restaurant linked to Brooks’ death. Conley was reportedly identified as a “self-appointed enforcer” who patrolled the streets with an AR-15 assault rifle, which highlighted his reckless actions that led to the needless loss of a child’s life.
In addition to the life sentence without the possibility of parole, Judge Carnesale imposed an additional 25 years for Conley’s other charges. Emotional statements from Secoriea’s family during sentencing underscored the profound impact of her death, with her parents expressing a desire for the maximum sentence, citing a lack of remorse from Conley. Conley’s mother requested leniency from the judge, claiming that her son had faced severe conditions while incarcerated and expressed deep regret for his actions.
Co-defendant Jerrion McKinney also faced consequences for the incident, having pleaded guilty to obstructing the vehicle containing Secoriea when he attempted to get her to a hospital. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with 20 years to serve. This case received widespread attention as it unfolded during a time of increased scrutiny regarding police brutality and racial injustice, further fueling the national discourse surrounding these themes.
Trial Overview
The trial included closing arguments that elicited significant deliberation from jurors before reaching the verdict. Details emerged in court that contrasted the outfit Conley was wearing on the night of the shooting with witness statements, which indicated that the shooter was clad in black, whereas Conley’s defense attorney donned a distinct red coat to bolster his case.
The death of Secoriea Turner stands out not only as a tragic event involving a child caught in crossfire but also as a reflection of the ongoing challenges facing communities grappling with violence and systemic issues. The verdict and subsequent sentencing have reignited discussions about accountability and the need for community safety amid larger societal upheavals.
Key Charges Against Julian Conley
- Murder
- Felony Murder
- Five Counts of Aggravated Assault
- Several Gun and Gang-Related Charges
Sentencing Summary
- Life Imprisonment without the possibility of parole
- Additional 25 years for other charges
Co-defendant Information
- Jerrion McKinney: 40 years in prison, with 20 years to serve
Background Context
The case’s prominence is heightened by its occurrence during nationwide protests against police brutality and racial injustice, serving as a critical reminder of the consequences of violence in society.
FAQ Section
What was Julian Conley convicted of?
Julian Conley was found guilty of shooting and killing 8-year-old Secoriea Turner.
What was the sentence given to Julian Conley?
Judge Rachelle Carnesale sentenced Conley to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an extra 25 years for other charges.
What happened during the shooting incident?
The shooting occurred on July 4, 2020, while Secoriea Turner was sitting in the backseat of a Jeep that approached a makeshift barricade near the Wendy’s restaurant where Rayshard Brooks had been killed.
What charges did Conley face?
Conley faced a total of 19 charges and was convicted on the majority, including murder, felony murder, and five counts of aggravated assault.
What was the outcome for the co-defendant?
Co-defendant Jerrion McKinney pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 years in prison, with 20 years to serve.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Julian Conley |
| Victim | Secoriea Turner |
| Date of Incident | July 4, 2020 |
| Charges | 19 (including murder and aggravated assault) |
| Verdict Date | September 25, 2025 |
| Sentence | Life in prison + 25 years |
| Co-defendant | Jerrion McKinney: 40 years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Julian Conley Convicted of Murdering 8-Year-Old Secoriea Turner
Additional Resources
- 11Alive: Julian Conley Found Guilty for Secoriea Turner Murder
- WSBTV: Verdict Reached in Secoriea Turner Case
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Jurors Deliberate in Turner Murder Trial
- CBS News: Julian Conley Convicted in Turner Case
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Video Coverage of Secoriea Turner’s Trial
- Wikipedia: Secoriea Turner
- Google Search: Secoriea Turner Murder
- Google Scholar: Secoriea Turner
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Secoriea Turner
- Google News: Secoriea Turner
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.
