ROWAN CO., N.C. — A Rowan County judge told the couple charged with killing a 15-month-old toddler that they could face the death penalty if convicted.
30-year-old John Turner and his girlfriend, 20-year-old Alisha Carlisle, were in court Wednesday. They are both charged with first degree murder, felony child abuse and assault in the death of Malaya Heun. Carlisle is the girl’s aunt.
Kannapolis Police say the couple abused Heun while they baby-sat her while the girl’s mother was at work. Autopsy reports show the little girl suffered abuse over an extended period of time before being beaten fatally in January.
Turner and Carlisle remain in jail without bond. Both asked for court appointed attorneys.
Their next court date has been set for the end of June.
