An Important Request To Dusty’s Supporters

Now that Dusty has received the required number of votes for parole, we want to be very clear about something that matters deeply to all of us involved in his advocacy: Please do not contact, message, or attempt to reach out to Jennifer Evans’ family and friends in any way.

They did not choose to be part of this discussion, and they should never be placed in the position of receiving messages, opinions, or questions from strangers about the worst day of their lives. No matter how well-intentioned, that kind of contact can be painful and intrusive, and it is not appropriate.

Our work is focused on public understanding of how wrongful convictions can happen, and on ensuring that responsibility is accurately placed where it belongs. It is not, and has never been, directed at the victim’s family.

We can hold two truths at the same time: that Jennifer Evans’ life mattered and that her family’s loss is permanent and profound, and that an unjustly convicted man has spent decades in prison due to an imperfect criminal justice system. Respect for one does not diminish the other.

Thank you for honoring this boundary and for helping us keep this advocacy grounded in dignity, compassion, and respect for everyone affected by this tragedy.

The Free Dusty Turner Coalition For Justice

Dusty Turner shaking a dog's paw with an American flag in the background.

Dustin Alan Turner

Dustin “Dusty” Turner, has now been in the Virginia correctional system for more than 30 years for two crimes he did not commit

In 1996, Dustin Turner, a 21-year old Navy SEAL, was wrongfully convicted in connection with the tragic murder of Jennifer Evans. Despite overwhelming evidence that his Navy SEAL Swim-Buddy who later confessed to the crime was the true perpetrator, Turner was sentenced to 82 years without the possibility of parole. The actual killer who was also convicted of attempted rape, received a lesser sentence of 72 years.

The details of this case are shocking.

Find Out More

Help Dusty rebuild after 30 years in prison

After 30 long years in prison, Dusty now has to face the challenges and expenses of daily life. We want to help him rebuild his life so that he can get back on his feet- we are asking his supporters to help in that journey. Any amount you give is appreciated.

Click on this link to donate: https://www.givesendgo.com/freedustyturner

Sign and share the petition and join the movement for Dusty’s release at CHANGE.ORG

Note: Any donations requested by the website do not benefit Dusty Turner, they are for the benefit of the owners of the Change.org website to create and manage a forum for petitions.

Every day, now 50 people or more sign Dusty’s petition. When so many people support his release, there is pressure to take action. Help us to Bring Dusty Home to Indiana!

Sign the petition

Watch

Listen

Latest Podcasts

Navy SEAL, Dusty Turner, wearing a diving suit with scuba gear and goggles indoors.

Dusty’s Story

From Dusty’s journey through the grueling Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training (BUD/s), to the fateful night of the murder that led to his incarceration, learn how Dusty has coped and lives each day by taking control of the one thing he owns: His attitude. Read Dusty’s complete story.

Read the full story

Jury foreman, Alan Reed said in a letter to then Governor, Mark Warner: “As Jury foreman in the trial of Dustin Turner [..], I do feel that the majority of the jury felt that Dusty was innocent of participating in any way with the murder”.

Dusty Turner crouching beside a brown rescue dog in prison.

Dusty Today

Now over 30 years into his sentence Dusty makes the best use of his time. A model inmate who chooses to lead by example and is a role model for those that surround him. He is an exemplary prison inmate who, despite the most difficult of circumstances, makes a real difference in the lives of people he engages with, living and imparting his mid-west values and personal discipline each and every day.

Read more

Who Is Dusty?

A mother’s perspective on her son. Read how Linda Summitt describes her son growing up.

Read more
Dusty shaking hands

Accomplishments

Not a day passes when Dusty is not working on something specific to improve either himself or the life of somebody else. Indeed, the lengthy list of accomplishments he has had while incarcerated, is jaw dropping. Click “Find Out More” below and prepare to spend some time reading about the numerous activities and successes he has had while at 10 different facilities in the VADOC system.

Find out more
Dusty as a toddler smiling and sitting on the floor near a wall, with papers scattered around and a metal shelf beside them.

Articles By Dusty

Dusty has written a number of articles during his incarceration. Please click on the “Explore the Articles” button to read his views on justice reform, the environment and his advocacy for a kinder, less hateful world when it comes to race relations and life’s purpose.

Explore the Articles

“Whether or not I waste away the rest of my life in Virginia’s prison system will be up to those who care about me and/or those who care about justice..”

— Dustin Alan Turner

Follow Dusty and His Case on Social Media

FOLLOW

Posts from @freedustyturner