Man gets 25 years in stabbing
Eligible for parole in less than 5; convicted in Fisher’s killing
Calling the slaying of Midtown resident Emily Klyce Fisher the most brutal he’s seen in 40 years, a judge Friday sentenced a man involved in the 1995 stabbing to the maximum 25 years in prison.
Under the law, however, defendant Alfred Turner can be considered for parole in less than five years.
Turner, 36, who has no prior record, was convicted last month of facilitation to commit felony murder, which is akin to aiding and abetting. His sentence range was 15 to 25 years in prison.
His DNA was found in blood at the crime scene, but he was not identified and linked to the crime until 2004 when an accomplice gave po- lice his name.
A medical examiner testified in trial that Fisher’s stab wounds were too numerous to count, but totaled more than 50.
“It’s really beyond the imagination that a person could be treated that way,” said Criminal Court Judge W. Otis Higgs Jr. “If ever the maximum sentence was deserved in a case, this is it .”
Turner and a companion were at the Fisher house on Central near Belvedere to collect drug money from Fisher’s son when the stabbing occurred Feb. 28, 1995. Two other men were tried and acquitted a year later.
Turner was facing the death penalty if convicted of first- degree murder, but the jury convicted him of the lesser offense after agreeing that his blood DNA proved he was there, although they were uncertain of his role.
Defense attorney Gerald Skahan noted that Turner has no prior criminal history, a good work and education record and that he has been a model prisoner in the jail, where he has led Bible and study groups since his incarceration. But Higgs was taken by the brutality of the crime and said he felt compelled to sentence Turner to the maximum.
Under the law, parole is possible after 71/ years on a 25-year sentence, but since Turner has been in custody for three years, he likely will meet the parole board after serving 41/ years. Although parole is possible, it is not automatic, and Dist. Atty. Gen. Bill Gibbons said his office will oppose any early release.
Fisher’s two sisters — Ellen Byrd Klyce and Katherine P. Klyce — testified about the loss of their sister, who was involved in the arts and charities and hosted the board of the Memphis Symphony in her home just a week before her murder.
“I feel like a part of me has been cut off,” said Katherine Klyce. “I will grieve always. She was a wonderful person. Her loss was a loss to the whole community.”