Ten-hour police standoff with Pace family ends in fatality

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Ten-hour police standoff with Pace family ends in fatality

Ruby Ramirez

— Pace, Florida

A 26-year-old woman is dead and a six-year-old is in critical condition after an hours-long police siege that ended after an exchange of gunfire.

According to a press release from the Santa Rosa Sheriff Department, police arrived at the secluded residence Friday morning to arrest Russell Turner, 35, for a bench warrant after he failed to appear in court six months ago on firearms charges.

Police say they first made contact with Turner two years prior through an unnamed informant who met him at a monthly gathering of local gun and survival enthusiasts. Court filings say that Turner sold the informant seven sawed-off shotguns and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

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Turner was active on social media and posted extensively about the charges, saying that the government was trying to silence him for his views and had sent him two different hearing locations as part of the conspiracy. The Santa Rosa County Clerk of the Court confirmed that there had been a clerical error in letters sent to Turner.

Facebook posts show Turner becoming increasingly paranoid about the government, moving his family to a remote location and saying that he and his wife, Gracie-Lou, would be homeschooling their two sons “to keep them away from the corrupting influences of the Godless WORLD!!!” He also posted threatening posts about politicians and the Pope.

“WAKE UP SHEEPLE! The gov is covertly taking out patriots!! OUR GOV DOES WHAT IT WANTS, NOT WHAT THE PEOPLE NEED. MURDER IS CIRKUS ON TV. DEATH IS SPONSORED BY SUBWAY. BREAK AWAY, DONT TRUST TOOTHPASTE. ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH — IT COULD BE THE LAST TIME.” reads a recent Facebook post.

Police approached the Turner home early Friday morning and were attacked by dogs owned by the family according to Stephen Stone, public communications officer for the Santa Rosa Sheriff. At least one of the dogs was shot. When police identified themselves after knocking, Turner said that he and his family would not surrender over a PA system.

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The siege lasted for ten hours and ended when gunfire was exchanged between officers and Turner. Police took advantage of a lull in the fire to enter and apprehend Turner. Gracie-Lou Turner and one of their sons were caught in the crossfire. Gracie-Lou was declared dead at St. Julian Medical Center later that day. The child, Blakalyee Turner, is listed in critical condition.

Neighbors say the family was reclusive. Sara Marino remembers her family felt Russell Turner was unnerving but says Gracie-Lou was friendly the few times they interacted. “He was really intense and spent the community 4th of July party they came to telling us about conspiracies and stuff. She brought some really weird dessert, but she seemed nice.”

Members of a sewing circle Gracie-Lou was part of for a short time remember her as a welcomed presence. “She only came for a few meetings, but she was always very eager to talk to people and encouraging to beginners. And her split stitch was one of the best,” recalls Agatha Cook.

Stone said that an investigation into the incident and the police involvement in the injuries is ongoing.

A vigil will be held outside of World of Beer Craft Bar and Restaurant.

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