Aunt’s Boyfriend Pleads Guilty In 15-Month-Old Malaya Heun’s Murder Case

September 5, 2018

Justin Pryor, Jennifer Miller,

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John Turner
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Malaya Heun
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Alisha Nicole Carlisle

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During a court appearance Wednesday, Josh Turner pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and Felony Child Abuse in the case of 15-month-old Malaya Heun’s murder nearly four and a half years ago.

Jamie Heun, Malaya's dad, says after court today, "I feel like some closure has come to it," but he and his fiancee feel "in their hearts that there is more (justice) to be served." pic.twitter.com/F0TEEUS2oO

— Morgan Fogarty (@MorganFogarty) September 5, 2018

Turner, the boyfriend of the toddler’s aunt, Alisha Carlisle, was sentenced to 77-126 months in jail following today’s plea. Officials say he will get credit for time served.

On June 2, 2014, Turner and Carlisle were both arrested and charged in connection to Malaya’s murder.

Carlisle bonded out of jail in August 2016 when her bond was reduced from $1 million to $500,000. She is still charged with First Degree Murder in connection to Malaya’s death.

Original Story – June 2, 2014

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Kannapolis Police have charged the aunt of 15-month-old Malaya Heun and her boyfriend with the murder of the child.

Alisha Carlisle, 20, and Josh Turner, 30, were arrested and charged Monday with first degree murder, felony child abuse inflicting serious injury and assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

Kannpolis Police Chief Woody Chavis released a statement that said, in part, that the brutal murder of Malaya Heun was one of the worsts cases of child abuse that he had seen in over 30 years of being an officer.

Heun died on January 21 after being severely assaulted two days earlier. Complications from blunt force trauma and hypovolemic shock were the causes of her death.

Chavis also says this case has been priority one since day one to ensure that justice was served.

“I made a promise that we would get justice for little Malaya. It brings me great pleasure to know that day has finally come,” said Chavis.

Chavis also says, “I want to thank the family and the community, for their tolerance and understanding during this process. I especially want to thank the press for their unwavering questioning and reporting that kept this terrible case in the news and they wouldn’t rest until they had some answers.”