Spotsylvania Deputy Set For Trial In Shooting Of Unarmed Man

Fredericksburg VA

23 December, 2021

1:20 PM

Description

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A Spotsylvania County deputy was arraigned Wednesday on the charge of felony reckless handling of a firearm in the shooting of unarmed county resident Isiah Brown. Deputy David Turbyfill is accused of shooting Brown, 32, on April 21 outside the home of Brown's mother in Spotsylvania County. At Wednesday's arraignment, a Spotsylvania Circuit judge scheduled a jury trial for July 18-22, 2022, in the case against Turbyfill, the Free Lance-Star reported. Turbyfill faces up to five years in prison if found guilty. Fredericksburg Commonwealth's Attorney Elizabeth Humphries is serving as the special prosecutor in the case. In July, a Spotsylvania County special grand jury indicted Turbyfill on the felony charge in connection with the April shooting. Turbyfill apparently mistook a cordless house phone that Brown was holding for a gun, according to police reports. The shooting took place early April 21 in the 12200 block of Catharpin Road. Turbyfill had given Brown a ride home earlier that night after Brown's car broke down, and returned to the area after Brown made a 911 call. Body camera footage shows that Turbyfill fired multiple shots at Brown around 30 seconds after exiting his vehicle at the scene. Brown was hit numerous times, and the deputy provided aid at the scene. Brown was then taken to the hospital. Brown's attorney, David Haynes of The Cochran Firm - Washington D.C., said in a statement that the shooting resulted in "significant injuries to Mr. Brown which will undoubtedly impact him for the rest of his life." Brown has filed a $26 million civil lawsuit against Turbyfill and Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger Harris in U.S. District Court in Richmond. The lawsuit accuses Turbyfill of "gross negligence, battery and using excessive force," according to the Free Lance-Star. RELATED: Spotsylvania Deputy Indicted In Shooting Of Unarmed Black ManSpotsylvania Deputy Shoots Man Who Called 911 For Help