Second Benton Harbor man sentenced after River Terrace shootout

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- A second man has been sentenced for his role in a shootout at the River Terrace Apartments back in July of 2023. 

The United States District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday that 29-year-old Terrence Terrial Izear Turner of Benton Harbor was sentenced to 165 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“Mr. Turner’s careless acts of violence put innocent lives at risk and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crime,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office is committed to identifying and federally prosecuting the individuals driving gun violence in our communities. There is no acceptable level of violent crime. In this case and others, we are working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that dangerous members of the community are brought to justice.”

Authorities say that during the July 9, 2023, shootout, which involved multiple shooters, an apartment across the parking lot was struck five times with bullets.

"One bullet entered a bedroom where an occupant was, and there was also a young child in the apartment," the U.S. District Attorney's Office said. "As a convicted felon, Turner was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. Turner previously pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on January 10, 2024."

Another shooter in the incident, Shamonte Buchanan, has already been sentenced to 71 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

"Illegal possession of firearms poses a severe threat to the well-being of our citizens. Gun violence continues to plague our society and impact our way of life. More and more felons are possessing illegal firearms, and this is a very dangerous reality for our community," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Michigan. "The sentencing of Mr. Turner demonstrates the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners and our firm commitment to removing violent offenders from our communities."