On the same day that her boyfriend received a life sentence for murder, a Virginia woman pleaded guilty to her role in the crime.
Kaylee Turner, 21, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder as a principal in the second degree on Friday afternoon, just hours after her boyfriend, Dustin Dove, 24, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 22-year-old Seth Wallace. As Law&Crime previously reported, Dove was convicted of murdering Wallace because he believed Wallace had been “inappropriate” with his girlfriend, Turner, while Dove was in jail.
Before the May 2024 shooting, Dove and Wallace were best friends.
Dove and Wallace’s friendship began in 2022 but soured when Dove was convicted of drug charges in early 2024. Turner informed Dove about Wallace’s alleged behavior towards her, and the two men exchanged a series of hostile texts.
According to WHSV, a digital forensics expert read aloud the messages in court, which included phrases like “Dog, I’m going to destroy you” and “I’m going to get away with it.” At one point, Dove was said to have recorded videos wearing a mask and holding the AR-15-style rifle used in the shooting.
According to Dove’s defense attorney, Wallace told Turner that Dove was “manipulating” her by claiming she was cheating on her.
Turner and Dove exchanged texts early on May 25, 2024, indicating that they were going to a location where Wallace was known to be. According to investigators, Turner drove herself and Dove to Wallace’s location after informing him that she was on her way.
Wallace called Turner at 4:17 a.m., but it is unclear whether the call was answered. Investigators believe Wallace was shot between 4:18 and 4:20 a.m. Later that morning, Turner texted Wallace, “Help, he has me at gunpoint,” in an attempt to conceal her role in the shooting.
Wallace died of infections caused by nine gunshot wounds two weeks after being shot.
Months after Wallace died, Dove is said to have written a rap song and sung it over a jail phone line, with phrases like “I don’t duck murders” and “He was my best friend, now he’s dead meat.”
Turner apologized at her sentencing, saying, “I’m very sorry.” I sincerely apologize for my actions in this situation.”
According to the outlet, Judge Paul Dryer was dissatisfied with the plea deal because Turner did not appear to regret her actions. Turner received an active prison sentence of 11 years and six months, suspended for 18 years and six months, and five years probation. If she violates her probation, she may face incarceration for the entire 30-year sentence.
