Turner Pleads Guilty to Murder of Jordan Cooper, Sentenced to 55 Years

State Attorney Melissa Nelson announces that Joe Turner has pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder in the killing of Jordan Cooper, Sexual Battery, and Burglary with Assault or Battery. Pursuant to his plea agreement, the Honorable Steven Whittington sentenced Turner to 55 years in Florida State Prison. Turner will also be labeled a Sexual Predator.

On Nov. 26, 2017, Jordan Cooper’s mother contacted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office to report her 25-year-old daughter missing. Especially concerning was that Cooper did not drive or work, and never left home without being accompanied by a family member. Law enforcement began a massive search effort in the area. Two weeks later, detectives found Cooper deceased and hidden within attic insulation of the home. Clothing and bedding was found near her body and, of note, her underwear was missing. Detectives also found a used adhesive bandage. An autopsy revealed Cooper died by asphyxiation and a Sexual Assault Kit was collected.

As the search for a suspect continued, Turner was the sole suspect in a separate burglary and grand theft investigation. Law enforcement arrested Turner on those charges in December 2017. He was hiding in the attic of his home at the time and, upon receiving consent, law enforcement searched the attic and found a bag of women’s clothes with a pair of women’s underwear readily visible. A search warrant was executed, and a pair of underwear was submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for processing. DNA testing from the Sexual Assault Kit matched Turner, as did DNA collected from the adhesive bandage. DNA from the underwear also matched Cooper. Turner was arrested.

The case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Pam Hazel.