BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
GREEN COVE SPRINGS— A Keystone Heights man was sentenced to 55 years in prison after pleading to killing his 25-year-old neighbor
Joe Arthur Turner, 31, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, burglary and sexual battery on a victim 12-years or older. He was given credit for the over four years he has been in jail awaiting trial and he was designated as a sexual predator.
Jordan Cooper, 25, was reported missing by her family just after Thanksgiving in 2017. Clay deputies discovered her body on Dec. 9 in the attic of her Payne Road home.
In the days following the woman’s disappearance, over 150 deputies, members of other agencies and volunteers searched 1,000 acres surrounding Little Rain Lake Park, where the victim was last seen.
Detectives said Cooper had the mental capacity of a 13 to 14-year-old.
According to a Jacksonville television station, Turner addressed the victim’s parents prior to sentencing.
“Miss Renee, there’s nothing I can say or do that will ever bring Jordan back. That’s why I want to apologize. I want to sincerely apologize, say I’m sorry. I’m sorry,” the defendant said, according to First Coast News. “Jeff, I’m sorry. From what I’ve heard there is forgiveness in your hearts and I’m so thankful for that. I just hope in time things will be better for each one of you all.”
Cooper’s family started the Jordan Cooper Memorial Scholarship fund in 2018 to support Keystone Heights High School students. The organization also promotes anti-bullying education and encourages animal rescue. The fund operates the Freedom 5K, a part of Our Country Day events around the Fourth of July.
Cooper’s family issued a statement prior to sentencing.
“Jordan would love knowing that she is helping other graduates fulfill their dreams, whatever they may be,” the family said. “In this way Jordan will live on, not only in our hearts, but in the hope that her memory brings to those students who receive scholarships. Jordan, we love you and we miss you. We wish you were still here with us.”
