A teen accused of felony murder in the shooting death of 8-year-old Secoriea Turner walked into Atlanta police headquarters to turn himself in Wednesday afternoon.
Julian Conley, who is also charged with aggravated assault in the child’s death, reported to the police headquarters at 4:30 p.m. along with his attorney Jackie Patterson.
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Credit: Ben Gray
Credit: Ben Gray
Patterson said he received word that Conley, 19, was formally charged in the fatal shooting about 8 a.m. Wednesday morning.
“When you have a warrant out, you have to turn yourself in,” he said. “So that’s what we are going to do.”
RELATED: Person of interest in Secoriea Turner's death says he was not involved
The announcement came just one hour before Secoriea’s family planned to lay her to rest in a private funeral.
MORE: Remembering Secoriea: Family, friends gather to honor slain 8-year-old
The rising third grader was killed a little after 9:30 p.m. July 4 when as many as four armed civilians opened fire on her mother’s SUV in a parking lot off University Avenue, police said.
The fatal shooting occurred across the street from the Wendy's where Rayshard Brooks was killed by an Atlanta police officer last month.
Conley came forward after Atlanta police circulated his photo on Sunday and said he was wanted for questioning in Secoriea’s death.
As he walked into police headquarters, Conley was seen carrying a plastic bag, likely in anticipation of being booked into the county’s jail following his meeting with detectives.
Credit: Ben Gray
Credit: Ben Gray
The teen on Monday admitted he was at the scene of the shooting, but denied firing a weapon.
“At the end of the day, I had nothing to do with it,” Conley told Channel 2 Action News.
ALSO: Secoriea Turner's parents ask community for help
Patterson said Conley told him a man driving the SUV went through the barricade and hit a man who was armed with a rifle.
“And when that person fell to the ground, the person got up and started firing at that vehicle,” Patterson told the news station.
Patterson said his client does not know the shooter’s name, Channel 2 reported. Conley’s bond hearing will take place Thursday at noon, authorities said.
Atlanta police are still looking for another man identified as the first person of interest in the case.
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
Credit: Atlanta Police Department
RELATED: Person of interest sought in 8-year-old Atlanta girl's shooting death
Attorney Mawuli Davis, who represents the family, said on Monday the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Secoriea’s killers has been increased to $50,000.
Credit: AJC
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