On the same day her boyfriend received a life sentence, a 21-year-old Virginia woman admitted guilt in the killing of her boyfriend’s best friend.
The Case
Kaylee Turner, 21, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder as a principal in the second degree in connection with the May 2024 shooting of Seth Wallace, 22. Just hours earlier, her boyfriend Dustin Dove, 24, was sentenced to life in prison for pulling the trigger.
According to investigators, Dove killed Wallace after becoming convinced Wallace had been “inappropriate” with Turner while Dove was in jail. Before the murder, Dove and Wallace had been close friends since 2022.
Tensions Before the Shooting
Court evidence showed a string of hostile text exchanges between Dove and Wallace. Messages included threats such as:
“Dog, I’m going to destroy you.”
“I’m going to get away with it.”
Prosecutors said Dove even recorded videos of himself with the AR-15-style rifle later used in the crime.
Wallace allegedly told Turner that Dove was manipulating her, which further fueled tensions.
The Night of the Murder
On May 25, 2024, Turner and Dove exchanged texts suggesting they would meet Wallace. Investigators said Turner drove Dove to Wallace’s location after telling Wallace she was coming.
At 4:17 a.m., Wallace called Turner. It remains unclear whether she answered.
Between 4:18 and 4:20 a.m., Wallace was shot nine times.
Later that morning, Turner texted Wallace, “Help, he has me at gunpoint,” in what prosecutors say was an attempt to cover up her involvement.
Wallace survived the shooting but died two weeks later from infections caused by his wounds.
Aftermath and Sentencing
Months later, Dove reportedly rapped about the killing in a recorded jail phone call, saying: “I don’t duck murders” and “He was my best friend, now he’s dead meat.”
At Turner’s sentencing, she told the court:
“I’m very sorry. I apologize for my actions in this situation.”
But Judge Paul Dryer expressed disappointment with her plea deal, noting Turner did not seem genuinely remorseful.
Turner received an active prison term of 11 years and six months, with 18 years and six months suspended, plus five years of probation. If she violates probation, she could serve the full 30-year sentence.
What began as a close friendship spiraled into jealousy, betrayal, and ultimately murder. With Dove sentenced to life and Turner facing over a decade behind bars, the case underscores how suspicion and manipulation can fuel violence with devastating consequences.
