Press Release
On January 2, 2024, at approximately 3:10 PM, Clay County Investigator Nick Queen, Clay County Investigator Steven Smith, Cherokee County Lt. Drew Payne, and Cherokee County Agent Parker Morgan arrived at the driveway entrance of a property where a vehicle had abruptly stopped. This driveway was located at 9102 Old Hwy 64, Brasstown, NC, in Clay County. The driver of the vehicle was immediately recognized as someone with a suspended driver’s license.
Officers began conducting field interviews with the three occupants of the vehicle. One of the occupants was William Monroe Turner, 64 years of age, from Hayesville. A smoking device consistent with methamphetamine use was recovered from a female passenger. Additionally, a set of digital scales, commonly used to weigh controlled substances, was found inside the car.
While standing outside the vehicle, Turner was observed attempting to swallow what was believed to be evidence. Officers tried to remove the item from Turner’s mouth. After a brief struggle, Turner fell to the ground, and officers briefly used a Taser on him without deploying the projectile components. Turner was then handcuffed and stood up without further incident. Shortly afterward, Turner began experiencing medical distress. Officers immediately administered the Heimlich maneuver and CPR. Two doses of Narcan were also given.
Lifesaving measures continued until Emergency Medical Services arrived.
Turner was subsequently transported to Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A follow-up examination revealed that Turner had ingested a plastic bag.
Due to Turner’s medical distress occurring during an interaction with law enforcement officers, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI) was called in to conduct an independent investigation. The NC SBI’s investigation will be separate from the activities of the Clay and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Offices.