Man accused of hiding brother in murder investigation now charged with possession of armor

Beaumont – A Jefferson County grand jury has indicted a convicted felon for possession of body armor discovered when investigators went to his Beaumont apartment to look for his brother, who was being investigated for murder.

Ricky Turner, 40, was charged with unlawful possession of body armor by a felon, a 3rd degree felony. Police say the armor was taken during a car break-in. He is also charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive.

Beaumont police went to Turner’s apartment in Maida on the afternoon of September 29. They were looking for his brother, 21-year-old Javonta Turner, who was wanted in connection with Ebonie Gilbert’s murder. Officers later learned Javonta Turner was inside a locked bedroom door, according to an affidavit. Police eventually arrested Javonta Turner, one of three men charged with Gilbert’s murder.

During the search of the apartment, officers found body armor under Ricky Turner’s living room couch. He is a convicted felon and is not allowed to own armor.