NEW BOSTON, Texas-A Bowie County jury is expected to continue deliberations Thursday morning in the case of a man accused of sexually abusing two sisters.
David Anthony Turney, 34, denied his guilt Wednesday under questioning from Texarkana lawyer Bart Craytor. Turney is on trial this week for allegedly sexually abusing a girl, born in 2006, from 2015 to May 2017. The girl's sister, who was born in 2004, testified Wednesday morning. Charges remain pending against Turney in connection with that alleged sexual abuse.
The alleged victim testified Tuesday that Turney, a relative who lived in the same home with the girls, would often give her candy for playing "special kid" with her. Her sister testified Wednesday morning that Turner would give her Pokémon cards when she played "special kid" with him.
Turney testified that while he has been unable to acquire steady and consistent employment, he does work whenever possible as a maintenance man and for a tree-trimming service on the weekends. Under cross examination by Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter, he said the girls and their mother are lying.
The last witness to testify for the state was Hooks, Texas, Police Department Sgt. Ricky Woodard, the lead investigator. Woodard said he found marks on the interior bathroom door that supported the younger girl's description of Turney placing a kitchen knife between the wall and door to keep it from opening while he molested the girl in the bathroom.
A defense witness testified that he put a knife in the door of the bathroom to "lock" it when he was temporarily staying with the family.
The state rested its case shortly before noon Wednesday. The defense called several character witnesses on Turney's behalf. After deliberating for about an hour and a half Wednesday, the jury asked 202nd District Judge John Tidwell if they could break for the evening and continue their consideration of the case Thursday morning.
Tidwell agreed. Should the jury find Turney guilty of the continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, he faces 25 to 99 years or life in prison without the possibility of parole from any sentence imposed.