In a tragic turn of events, a mother and her teenage daughter from Maryland are at the heart of a legal storm following an altercation over a parking spot that resulted in the death of a 71-year-old great-grandfather. The incident has now escalated to potentially more severe charges.
Kiannah Bonaparte, aged 49, initially faced charges including first- and second-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, and reckless endangerment. These charges stem from a violent confrontation with Gregory Turnipseed, a transportation investigator in Baltimore, as reported by WBAL.
In light of Turnipseed’s passing, which the medical examiner has officially ruled a homicide, the charges against Bonaparte are expected to be upgraded to homicide. This development follows her rejection of a plea deal earlier this week, according to Fox Baltimore.
The altercation unfolded on October 15, 2025, while Turnipseed was on duty with the Baltimore Department of Transportation. During the dispute over a parking space, Bonaparte is accused of delivering a fatal kick to Turnipseed’s head, resulting in a brain bleed that ultimately claimed his life.
Prosecutors indicate that the conflict began when Turnipseed approached Bonaparte’s vehicle to inform her that another car was waiting for the parking spot she was attempting to occupy. In response, Bonaparte’s 15-year-old daughter allegedly exited the vehicle and struck Turnipseed in the face, further escalating the situation.
Bonaparte’s 15-year-old daughter allegedly jumped out of the passenger seat and punched the Turnipseed in the face.
When the 71-year-old tried to restrain the teen, Bonaparte allegedly jumped on his back, causing him to fall.
The mom then delivered the final blow — kicking him in the head while he was down before driving off, prosecutors said.
Turnipseed suffered a brain bleed and memory loss, but was able to identify Bonaparte in a lineup.
He was hospitalized and underwent surgery, but couldn’t be saved. He died nearly six weeks after the attack, just one day before Thanksgiving.
Turnipseed’s daughter, La’Cheryl Turnipseed-White, and cousin, Deborah Carrington, were present during the court proceedings on Tuesday.
“I just thought it wasn’t real. I didn’t believe it until I actually saw it. I just couldn’t believe that someone would do that to him,” Turnipseed-White told WBAL.
“He would help anybody. He’s always been like that,” Turnipseed-White said.
“It was very emotional seeing Miss Bonaparte today,” Carrington added.
“It was a horrendous thing that she did to a very nice, loving person.”
It’s unclear if Bonaparte’s daughter is facing any charges.
