Alicia Marie Turner was a 39-year-old Black woman from Paris, Texas, known to friends and family as "Sparkle." Remembered as a devoted mother to four children, she was described as the life of every party. Outgoing and loyal, Alicia loved to dance, laugh, and cook. She attended Paris High School and was a member of the Truevine Christian Church, bringing a joy to those around her that her loved ones called amazing.
In the early hours of August 12, 2022, Alicia’s life was cut short. At approximately 12:15 a.m., Paris police responded to a shots-fired call in the 300 block of E. Grove Street. When they arrived, officers found Alicia in the yard of a residence, deceased from gunshot wounds. Her daughter, Jakellia Turner, was also at the scene with gunshot wounds to her legs. Jakellia survived her injuries.
A woman at the scene, 34-year-old Lilandria Shiaire Bell, admitted to the shooting. Police confirmed that Bell had called 911 herself and waited for officers to arrive.
She was arrested and later indicted by a grand jury on charges of murder for Alicia’s death and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the injuries to Jakellia. Paris Police Chief Richard Salter called the incident a "senseless and unnecessary tragedy" and offered sincere condolences to Alicia's family.
The case against Lilandria Bell proceeded to a jury trial in Lamar County. Bell’s defense attorney argued that she had acted in self-defense, telling the court the confrontation stemmed from a "love quarrel." The defense claimed that Alicia, upon finding Bell with a man she had also been involved with, became angry and attacked Bell while brandishing a machete. Bell then shot Alicia with a legally registered firearm. After deliberating for 70 minutes, the jury acquitted Lilandria Bell of all charges. The jury concluded she had acted in self-defense, and with the verdict, the case was legally closed.
