The wife and half-brother of a 38-year-old Chicago man are facing criminal charges after authorities discovered his dismembered remains hidden inside a basement freezer and scattered in a lake 160 miles away.
Robin Turner, 62, the wife of the victim, Dalewayne Turner, and James Adams, 26, the victim’s half-brother, appeared in court Monday, where both were charged as co-defendants with dismembering a human body and concealment of a homicidal death, according to court records seen by ABC7 Chicago.
The charges follow an alleged argument between Adams and the victim on the morning of June 21, which court filings state led to the killing.
Prosecutors asked that Robin Turner remain held in custody before her trial, pointing to what they described as an extensive effort to hide the death of the victim, who shared the Plainfield residence with the suspects.
The investigation began after recreational boaters spotted a human arm in Lake Mattoon, more than 160 miles away from the home, on June 30. Authorities then recovered multiple black trash bags secured with tape, which contained weights, concrete and dismembered remains later identified as Dalewayne Turner through tattoos — including a distinct image of a skeleton holding a Green Bay Packers helmet — and other identifying features.
An autopsy later confirmed that the limbs scattered downstate belonged to the victim, though his head and torso were missing from the lake.
According to court records, surveillance footage, license plate reader data and store records tied the co-defendants to the crime. Prosecutors alleged that Adams bought weights and duct tape at a Walmart in Mattoon, and evidence showed both suspects had purchased concrete days prior.
During a search of the Plainfield residence on July 1, investigators found a locked freezer in the basement, which was sealed with duct tape, covered by a blanket and weighted down with cinder blocks. Inside, officers discovered Dalewayne Turner's head, neck and torso. Authorities also noted signs of recent remodeling in the house, including freshly painted walls and stairs, a painted front door, replacement carpeting and removed wood paneling.
Court documents further detailed text messages between Robin Turner and Adams discussing bleach, carpet cleaner, a dolly and moving heavy objects. One message from Robin Turner allegedly stated, “Be sure to fully delete everything.”
A forensic search of Robin Turner’s phone also revealed a Google search history stretching back to June 2. The queries included searches about lethal drug overdoses, “concrete mixer” and “do you have to have a body embalmed?”
The suspects reportedly gave conflicting accounts to authorities. According to court filings, the victim’s brother, Steven Turner, told investigators that Adams admitted to grabbing a knife and stabbing Dalewayne Turner several times. Steven Turner stated that both suspects recounted how the victim died, prompting Steven Turner to leave the residence and call 911.
Adams declined to provide a full statement after being advised of his rights, but court records allege he made a spontaneous remark to investigators.
“The one thing I will say is that I did it, but I did it out of self-defense,” he said. “I will tell you guys that.”
Robin Turner told investigators that Adams and the victim had an argument regarding sports cards on the morning of June 21. She claimed Adams later admitted to stabbing her husband and placing the body in a freezer.
The victim's cousin, Chrystal Mann, spoke about the effect the allegations have had on the family, as reported by ABC7 Chicago.
“Literally made me sick to my stomach,” Mann said.
Mann added that she had spoken with Robin Turner 10 minutes before the arrest took place.
“I was on the phone with her 10 minutes before she was arrested. And I said, ‘Robin, what's going on? Why am I hearing all this crazy stuff? I'm hearing rumors going.’ She says, ‘well, he's still in treatment. And she said, Let me call you right back.’ I never talked to her again,” Mann said.
According to Mann, Dalewayne Turner and his wife had taken custody of Adams when he was 13 years old, following an incident where Adams’ father killed the boys’ mother.
Mann described her cousin as a devoted family member and Chicago sports fan.
“I remember Dalewayne always being there,” she said. “If I needed help with anything around my yard, anything, he would be there to help.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe to manage sudden costs, raising $1,060 of its $2,600 goal so far.
“Dalewayne’s sense of humor and kindness made him a beloved friend to many, and he always went out of his way to help others,” the page reads. “As we navigate this difficult time, we are asking for help to cover funeral expenses and other costs that have come up unexpectedly.”
Robin Turner and James Adams are expected back in court later this week.
