MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Episode: The Business of Death (PODCAST EXCLUSIVE EPISODE)
Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Ballen Studios

Introduction

In the exclusive episode titled "The Business of Death," the MrBallen Podcast delves deep into a chilling true-crime story set in the small town of Navasota, Texas. This narrative intertwines family dynamics, hidden motives, and meticulous investigative work, unraveling the mysterious murder of Lonnie Turner, a respected mortician.

Setting the Scene

[00:00] The story opens in 2002, two days after Halloween, painting a serene yet foreboding picture of Navasota, Texas. The protagonist, Lonnie Turner, a 54-year-old mortician and the first African American member of the Navasota City Council, is introduced as a pillar of the community. His dedication is evident not only in his professional life but also in his extensive volunteering.

Family Dynamics

Lonnie's household is complex, marked by tensions with his 21-year-old son, Junior. Despite Lonnie's pride in his accomplishments—such as receiving the Citizen of the Year award and managing the family funeral home—Junior exhibits rebellious and immature behavior. An example of this strained relationship is highlighted when Junior nonchalantly informs Lonnie about his intention to register for the Texas Mortuary Law exam, a prerequisite for taking over the family business.

[00:04] "Getting that license is the very first step for Junior to be able to take over the family business," the narrator emphasizes, showcasing Lonnie's awareness of his son's ambitions and shortcomings.

The Fateful Evening

On November 1, 2002, Lonnie wraps up his day at the funeral home, preparing for the evening's wake. Exhausted from his workload and disappointed in Junior’s lack of responsibility, Lonnie heads home, assuming Junior is out with friends.

[00:12] As Lonnie drifts into sleep, a lifeless night is shattered by loud noises and the presence of an intruder in his home. This intrusion sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy.

Discovery of the Body

[00:22] Just before midnight, Junior returns home, noticing anomalies such as an unscrewed porch light bulb and an open bedroom door—uncharacteristic behaviors for his father. When Junior enters the bedroom, he discovers Lonnie lying on the floor with a gruesome bloodstain on the wall.

Junior's Reaction: “I was shocked and immediately turned and sprinted to my bedroom,” recounts the podcast, illustrating Junior's panic-stricken response.

Junior hastily grabs a handgun from under his mattress and flees the scene, later reporting his father's death to the police, albeit without checking for a pulse.

The Investigation Begins

[26:35] Officer Rob Bailey, familiar with the Turner family, arrives at Lonnie's residence following Junior's distress call. He discovers Lonnie's lifeless body and meets Lonnie’s brother, Lawson, an unusual visitor claiming to have arrived only minutes before the incident.

Lawson's Statement: “I didn't know anything about a shooting. I just found the house totally empty,” Lawson declares, raising suspicions due to the incongruity with the crime scene.

Detective Travis Higginbotham takes the lead, noting the absence of typical robbery signs and the locked back door, which suggests the killer had inside knowledge of Lonnie's habits.

Unraveling Suspects

Three primary suspects emerge:

1. Junior Turner (Lonnie's Son):

   • Possessions: Owns a 9mm pistol, later identified as the murder weapon.
   • Behavior: Displayed unusual calmness during interrogation and exhibited suspicious spending habits post-incident.
   • Quote: Junior claims, “I was terrified that whoever had shot my dad was still in the house,” attempting to explain his immediate flight and possession of a gun.

2. Lawson Turner (Lonnie's Brother):

   • Alibi: Claims to have just arrived and found no one when inspecting the house.
   • Behavior: Displayed visible distress but inconsistencies in his story raise doubts.
   • Quote: Lawson states, “I was on my way to Houston and planned to spend the night here,” which contradicts the evidence at the scene.

3. James White (Lonnie's 19-Year-Old Godson):

   • Background: Recently convicted of theft related to Lonnie but claims to have an alibi of being at a club.
   • Evidence: Seen behaving erratically and previously attempted a robbery.
   • Quote: James insists, “I didn't kill my godfather. Junior forced me at gunpoint,” attempting to shift blame.

Critical Evidence

The investigation hinges on pivotal pieces of evidence:

• Bloodstained Mask: Found near the crime scene, it becomes a crucial DNA link to the killer.
• Gunshot Residue Tests: Placed suspicion on Junior due to positive residue presence.
• Missing 9mm Pistol: Initially linked to Junior's potential involvement.
• Confessions: James White later admits to forging checks but denies involvement in the murder.

[28:15] The narrative delves deeper as Detective Higginbotham uncovers that James White is not only a suspect due to his criminal history but also because he had intimate knowledge of Lonnie's routines, such as the unlocked back door and the location of Junior's firearms.

Breakthrough and Resolution

The turning point arrives when the ballistics lab confirms that the 9mm pistol found under Junior's mattress matches the shell casings from the crime scene. However, without definitive DNA evidence linking Junior to the mask, the case remains unresolved pending further testing.

Simultaneously, James White’s criminal activities escalate, undermining his credibility and highlighting his capability for violence. This, coupled with the emotional and financial motivations, solidifies James as a prime suspect.

Ultimately, the DNA test results from the mask unequivocally point to James White as the murderer. Faced with mounting evidence, James confesses to the crime, albeit controversially claiming coercion by Junior, a claim unsupported by further evidence.

Conclusion: James White is convicted and serves a 20-year sentence, bringing closure to the tragic murder of Lonnie Turner. Detective Higginbotham reflects on the intricate web of motives and the importance of persistent investigative work in solving complex crimes.

Final Thoughts

"The Business of Death" serves as a compelling exploration of how personal vendettas and hidden agendas can culminate in tragic outcomes. The episode underscores the significance of meticulous evidence collection and the profound impact of family dynamics on criminal behavior.

MrBallen eloquently narrates the sequence of events, intertwining factual investigation processes with human emotions, making the story both informative and riveting for true crime enthusiasts.

Additional Resources

For listeners intrigued by this story and eager for more, the MrBallen Podcast offers a variety of other captivating series, including:

• Mr. Ballin's Medical Mysteries
• Bedtime Stories
• Wartime Stories
• Run Fool and Redacted

Accessible on Amazon Music and other major podcast platforms, these series continue to deliver enthralling tales of the strange, dark, and mysterious.

Note: All names and specific details in this episode are based on true events but may have been altered slightly to protect the privacy of those involved.