(Woodland, CA) – (January 13, 2023) – On January 13, 2023, 60-year-old Robert Spurlin of West Sacramento pled guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter for the June 13, 2009, murder of West Sacramento resident, Monica Turknett. Mr.Spurlin, who was the live-in boyfriend of Ms. Turknett, was arrested by the West Sacramento Police Department on July 23, 2022.
This is the first conviction of a Cold Case Homicide for the West Sacramento Police Department and was the result of countless hours of investigation by dedicated and committed staff and partner law enforcement agencies. The West Sacramento Police Department and the Yolo County District Attorney Investigators Office would like to thank the partner agencies who assisted in this case: Yolo County Sheriff’s Department, Davis Police Department, Woodland Police Department, Fresno Police Department, Sequim Police Department (Washington), Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office (Louisiana).
This case was incredibly impactful for the Turknett family, their friends, the community, and the officers involved in the investigation. The West Sacramento Police Department hopes this brings some degree of closure and peace to Ms. Turknett’s family, friends and loved ones.
West Sacramento Police Chief Robert Strange noted, “this case showcases the commitment the West Sacramento Police Department has to pursuing justice for all who are victimized. We must always tirelessly pursue those who victimize the vulnerable in our community. I am proud of our team and grateful that we were able to provide some type of comfort to the Turknett family in this case.”
District Attorney Jeff Reisig praised the efforts the West Sacramento Police Department’s investigative unit, the DA Cold Case Team, Deputy District Attorney Preston Schaub, and all of the law enforcement agencies that helped in the investigation and conviction of Spurlin.
Sentencing in this case is scheduled for 9 am on February 24, 2023, in Department 7 of the Yolo County Superior Court.
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