Polk County in Iowa
Des Moines in Polk County
Glenn Willis Turner
Homicide
Glenn W. Turner — a 59-year-old World War II Army veteran — was found dead inside a van parked at the Latin King Restaurant on Des Moines’ east side on Thursday evening, August 10, 1978.
Polk County Medical Examiner Dr. R.C. Wooters said Turner died from a skull fracture and reported time of death as Wednesday, August 9.
Des Moines police said Turner’s wallet was missing but did not initially state a motive for the crime.
About Glenn Turner
Glenn Turner was born September 17, 1918, in Benton County, Indiana, to Adolphus L. and Emma L. (Randall) Turner. He had one sister, Ora Lee Turner Little, and three brothers: Robert R., Clarence W., and Osborn V. Turner.
He served as a Private with the U.S. Army during World War II.
Glenn Turner is buried at the Teegarden Congregational Christian Church Cemetery in Ansonia, Darke County, Ohio (Courtesy photo findagrave.com)
He was survived by his wife Mildred and six children: Glenn Jr., Ronald, Joe, John, Sue Ann and Bill Turner.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Jeannie Lou; and brother Clarence.
He is buried in Teegarden Congregational Christian Church Cemetery in Ansonia, Darke County, Ohio.
Information Needed
If you have any information about Glenn Turner’s unsolved murder please contact the Des Moines Police Department at 515-283-4864.
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I like that authorities have no motive for his murder, but his wallet is missing. It could be that he was killed for his wallet. Also, did he normally hang out at this restaurant. How much money did he have in his wallet.
He had a skull fracture. The other question was their any sign of a struggle. Also, what side of the head. This case needs to be relooked at with today’s investigative standards
He had other cash on him when they found him. That makes me question whether or not it was just a robbery.
I believe they stated that because he had other cash on him when his body was discovered.
It would be intetesting if they have any phyical evidence, that could be retested. Also, he was found dead inside a van. Most likely it was not his. So, who was thevan registered to.
Glenn was my great-uncle. I was 15 when he was killed. He was a transport driver. He drove one van while pulling another. The vans were similar to what the older UPS trucks looked like.
Becky Turner
This is my grandfather. I contacted the homicide dept in Des Moines 15 years ago. They informed me that there was in fact evidence at the time, but that it has since been lost or misplaced. As far as the van, it was his employers.
This is my grandfather, my mother is his daughter Sue Ann. I was two when this happened.
I am so sorry for you & your families loss!
Praying justice is done!
OMG , I would have been in 8th grade