Background: The street where Gregory Turnipseed was attacked (WBAL). Inset: Gregory Turnipseed (WBAL).
A Maryland Department of Transportation employee tragically lost his life following an attack, with authorities pointing to a mother and her teenage daughter as the culprits.
Gregory Turnipseed, aged 71, passed away on the eve of Thanksgiving. In a joint statement by Mayor Brandon M. Scott and other city leaders, it was revealed that Turnipseed succumbed to severe injuries sustained from a violent assault.
The incident reportedly occurred on October 20, as detailed by Baltimore’s NBC affiliate WBAL report. Charging documents indicate that Turnipseed, a 14-year veteran of the Department of Transportation, attempted to mediate a disagreement over a parking space. Observing a vehicle waiting for a black Chevrolet SUV to vacate a spot, Turnipseed approached to inform them that another driver was also waiting for the space.
This intervention seemingly triggered the assault, as per the WBAL report.
An adolescent girl, approximately 15 years old, allegedly exited the SUV’s passenger side and began striking Turnipseed in the head. The SUV’s driver also reportedly exited the vehicle to join the assault.
“The driver then repeatedly kicked him in the head, shattering his glasses and causing abrasions and swelling to his head and face,” police stated, according to The Baltimore Banner.
The alleged driver has since been identified as 49-year-old Kiannah Bonaparte — and investigators say she is the teen’s mother.
Turnipseed did receive medical attention that day, but was admitted to the hospital three days later after suffering a brain bleed, WBAL reported. His condition worsened during recovery, and he died on Wednesday.
But before he passed away, Turnipseed was reportedly able to identify his alleged attackers. According to local Fox affiliate WBFF, investigators on Nov. 6 showed Turnipseed a photo array of potential suspects — and he identified Bonaparte as one of his two attackers.
Court records show Bonaparte has been charged with assault. It was not immediately clear whether those charges would be upgraded following Turnipseed’s death.
Records show that Bonaparte is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 11. Police have not indicated whether the teen has been arrested.
Turnipseed’s family members have been outspoken in their grief — and their frustration.
“I’ve been robbed of my father,” Lacheryl Turnipseed-White told WBFF, adding that the suspects “could have just drove off and went their way … and let him go his way.”
The teen, Turnipseed-White said, “even wanted to assault an elder or someone that wasn’t even doing anything to her. Just minding his own business basically. All he was truly doing was his job.”
City officials praised Turnipseed for his dedication and contribution to Baltimore.
“Mr. Turnipseed was an exemplary public servant, a 14-year veteran of BCDOT working in the Traffic Division,” the joint statement from the mayor’s office said. “He served Baltimore with dignity and integrity, and we will forever be grateful for his dedication to our city. We will continue wrapping our arms around his family and loved ones, holding them close in our hearts and prayers.”
