Retired Georgia assistant police chief shot, killed by nephew in Mississippi, police say

MERIDIAN, Miss. — Channel 2 Action News has learned that a retired Georgia police chief was shot and killed.

Almond Turner retired from the Covington Police Department in 2016. He was the assistant chief.

Officials in Meridian, Mississippi say Turner's nephew, Christopher Denson, shot him during a family gathering Saturday night. It happened at the 1st and 10 Gaming Lounge.

Denson was taken into custody at his apartment Sunday afternoon, Covington police said.

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Turner was born in Covington and retired from the Covington Police Department after 45 years of service.

At the time, he was the city's longest tenured employee. Turner had also served on the Newton County School Board since 1996.

"We are stunned, devastated, and heartbroken," said Samantha Fuhrey, superintendent of the Newton County School System. "Mr. Turner was a life-long supporter of our community and its school system. He always wanted and fought for what was best for our students and employees and we looked forward to him continuing to serve on our school board into the foreseeable future. But more importantly, on a personal note, Mr. Turner was my friend and mentor—someone who helped guide me as I began the journey as superintendent of this school system. I will never forget his advice, his kind words of encouragement, and most of all his friendship. There will never be another Almond Turner. He was truly one of a kind."

Turner leaves behind a wife, three children and several grandchildren.

Cox Media Group