Staunton, VA – Kaylee Turner, 21, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Seth Wallace, the former best friend of her boyfriend, Dustin Dove. Turner entered her plea just hours after Dove, 24, received a life sentence for the murder.
The Murder of Seth Wallace
The crime occurred in May 2024, when Dustin Dove killed 22-year-old Seth Wallace, believing that Wallace had been “inappropriate” with Turner while Dove was in jail. Turner and Dove were involved in a romantic relationship, and Wallace had been best friends with Dove before the deadly altercation.
Staunton News Leader reported that the relationship between Dove and Wallace began to deteriorate after Dove’s conviction on drug charges in early 2024, with Turner telling Dove that Wallace had acted inappropriately towards her.
Hostile Texts and Pre-Murder Tensions
As tensions between Dove and Wallace escalated, the two men began exchanging hostile text messages, some of which were read aloud in court by a digital forensics expert. Messages such as, “Dog, I’m going to destroy you,” and, “I’m going to get away with it,” painted a picture of the mounting animosity between them.
Turner was involved in this communication and was aware of Dove’s intentions. The messages suggested that the conflict between the two men was intensifying, with Dove even recorded on video holding an AR-15-style rifle.
The Shooting and Aftermath
On the early morning of May 25, 2024, Turner drove herself and Dove to a location where they knew Wallace would be. According to investigators, Turner exchanged texts with Wallace, and at 4:17 a.m., Wallace called her. It’s unclear if the call was answered, but police believe that Wallace was shot between 4:18 a.m. and 4:20 a.m.
Turner then attempted to cover her involvement by texting Wallace, saying, “Help, he has me at gunpoint.” Wallace eventually succumbed to nine gunshot wounds, dying two weeks later from infections caused by the injuries.
Dove’s Jail Rap and Turner’s Apology
Months after Wallace’s death, Dove recorded a rap song in jail, boasting about the murder with lyrics such as, “I don’t duck murders” and “He was my best friend, now he’s dead meat.”
At her sentencing, Turner apologized for her actions, saying, “I’m very sorry. I apologize for my actions in this situation.” However, Judge Paul Dryer expressed frustration, stating that Turner did not show sufficient remorse for her involvement in the crime.
Sentencing and Terms
Turner was sentenced to 11 years and six months in prison, with an additional 18 years and six months suspended, plus five years of probation. If she violates the terms of her probation, she may face up to 30 years in prison.
What are your thoughts on Turner’s sentence? Should the punishment have been harsher? Share your opinion in the comments below.
