Homicide investigation ongoing in Washtucna

Larry E. Turner was released from Adams County Jail on Saturday, June 7, after being booked for second-degree murder in connection with the June 3 incident in Washtucna.

Adams County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to the report of a shooting on June 3 and found Ronnie Dick, 70, deceased at the scene from gun shot wounds.

Sheriff John Hunt said June 10 it is currently believed Turner shot Dick in self-defense, but the Sheriff’s Office is continuing to gather evidence to turn over to the prosecutor for the final decision to be made. Hunt added at this time, no charges have been filed against Turner through the prosecutor.

The department had a search warrant for the victim’s home and is currently subpoenaing phone records between the victim and Turner, Hunt added.

Turner, 60, called dispatch around 9:30 p.m. on June 3 to report he had shot and killed his neighbor in the 900 Block of South Austin Road in Washtucna. Around 10:15 p.m., Dick was located on Turner’s property and observed to be deceased with a black colored long gun by his right side, according to court documents.

Turner had been located in a shed and initially did not respond to commands issued by the police officers. He eventually did and was taken into custody without incident.

According to court documents, a bullet wound to the upper thigh, left cheek and in the small of the back near the spinal area were all observed on Dick’s body during the initial examination. An exit wound was not located from the shot to the head or the back.

During an interview conducted after being booked into the jail, Turner admitted to shooting Dick with a .357 revolver pistol three times. The court documents state Turner had consumed alcoholic beverages with Dick a few hours prior to the shooting, and a confrontation had led to Turner leaving Dick’s residence.

Turner advised Dick had threatened him and become aggressive during the conversation at Dick’s house earlier that evening, the documents continue. He had left the victim’s home after Dick had fallen asleep and armed himself with his landlord’s revolver.

Turner advised around a half an hour later, Dick arrived at his property and got out of his vehicle holding a rifle of some kind and accusing Turner of stealing his dog. Turner advised he did not have the animal, and Dick reportedly shot the rifle in Turner’s direction.

The shot missed him, and Turner reported he shot the revolver at Dick an estimated three times, his statement said.

Along with the wounds observed on the body, a bullet was also located in a trailer on the property, about 50 yards from the barn.

In August 2011, The Journal published an Adams County Sheriff’s Office report regarding Dick being arrested at his property.

In 2011, Dick was arrested for three counts of fourth degree domestic violence assault.

Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory Technicians processed the crime scene, and an autopsy was completed on June 10.

Hunt expects the results of the autopsy to be released in a few weeks, as well as the crime scene evidence.

When received, the evidence will be submitted to the prosecutor for review to establish if charges should be filed against Turner or officially rule the incident as self-defense.