Pamela Turner

People

Pamela Turner; Juan Delacruz (Baytown Police Officer)

Outcome

unknown

On May 13, 2019, Pamela Turner, a 44-year-old African American woman, was fatally shot by Baytown Police Officer Juan Delacruz in the parking lot of the apartment complex where both resided. Delacruz approached Turner to arrest her on outstanding misdemeanor warrants for criminal mischief and assault. The encounter was captured on both bystander video and the officer's body camera. During the encounter, Turner asked the officer, "Why are you harassing me?" and stated, "I'm actually walking to my house." A struggle ensued, and Delacruz deployed his Taser (an X26P model), which failed to incapacitate Turner. She grabbed the Taser, and Delacruz fired his weapon five times while Turner was on the ground. Three shots struck Turner fatally. Just prior to the shooting, Turner said, "I'm pregnant," though the police department later confirmed she was not pregnant. Turner had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and had worked as a healthcare worker for nearly 20 years. Her family stated that Officer Delacruz was aware of her mental health condition, and neighbors confirmed he "had arrested her many times" before. According to Turner's family, she had "several bad experiences" with the officer, who routinely patrolled the area.