Sept. 20, 2017 -- Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. announced today that Derran Morris, twenty-three years old of Mount Vernon, NY was arraigned on an indictment today before Judge Helen Blackwood and charged with:

  • one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a class “A-1” Felony,
  • one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree, a class “B” Felony,
  • one count of Assault in the First Degree, a class “B” Felony,
  • two counts of Assault in the Second Degree,  class “D” Felonies

relating to the beating death of tw- year-old Addison Turner and the severe beating of her twin, two-year-old Annalyn Turner.

On July 5, 2017 the mother of the victims, Monique Turner and the defendant walked into Montefiore Mount Vernon Hospital at 5:10 p.m. carrying Addison and Annalyn Turner in their arms. They told reception that Addison was not breathing.

Upon examination, it was determined that Addison Turner was not breathing, had no pulse and was cold to the touch. Doctors and nurses attempted to revive the victim for approximately half an hour. She was declared dead at 5:35 p.m. At 5:40 p.m., Mount Vernon Police arrived at the hospital after they were informed of a suspicious death by emergency room staff.

While the resuscitation effort of Addison was going on, a triage nurse noticed that Annalyn, who was still being carried in the arms of the defendant, appeared to be unwell. Annalyn was rushed to Bronx Montefiore Medical Center by ambulance. Upon examination, doctors there determined that Annalyn had suffered life threatening abdominal trauma. Mount Vernon Detectives were notified of their findings.

A report by the Medical Examiner’s Office states that Addison Turner’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to her body. Annalyn Turners, who survived, required weeks of hospitalization.

The defendant was placed under arrest on July 7, 2017.

During today’s proceeding, the defendant pled not guilty.

His remand continues.

His next court date is Oct. 11, 2017.

The defendant faces twenty-five years to life in state prison.

This case is being prosecuted by First Deputy District Attorney Patricia Murphy of the Superior Court Trial Division and Assistant District Attorney Mary Clark-DiRusso of the Special Prosecutions Division.

police photograph of Derran Morris

Derran Morris

 In compliance with the Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.6, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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