Detectives have arrested an individual in the homicide of Coyoete Turner. A person of interest had previously been identified as John Leonard Bowen (47). Bowen, a registered sex offender, was being held in the Columbia County Detention Facility on unrelated charges associated with violating his sex offender registration. This morning, CCSO detectives charged him in Turner’s homicide.
Shortly before 11:30am on Sunday, September 3, 2023, deputies were dispatched to a field in the area of SW Haltiwanger Road in reference to Turner’s body being discovered by a citizen. Turner’s body had been partially burned.
“While we cannot bring the victim back, we can pursue justice on her behalf,” said Sheriff Mark Hunter. “I am proud of the hard work and long hours our detectives have put into this case to date.”
The investigation will remain active as Detectives continue to process additional evidence and information in this case. Anyone who may have additional information pertaining to this case is asked to contact Detective Truesdale at (386) 758-1375.
