Collin Turner Shot and Killed by Chief Petty Officer Wife in Pensacola Florida

On September 8, 2021, the peaceful neighborhood of Gulf Breeze, Florida, near Pensacola, was shattered by a horrifying act of domestic violence. Collin Turner, a 33-year-old Marine Corps veteran and father, was shot and killed in his home while making a desperate 911 call for help. His wife, Chief Petty Officer Bree Kristen Kuhn, was arrested shortly after, accused of premeditated murder.

The case gained national attention not only due to its brutal nature but also because it involved high-ranking military personnel and allegations of prior domestic abuse. As the trial unfolded, shocking details emerged, painting a complex picture of a troubled marriage, escalating violence, and a fatal confrontation.

This article explores the events surrounding Collin Turner’s tragic murder, the investigation, the high-profile trial of Bree Kuhn, and the impact on their family and community.

Who Was Collin Turner?

Collin Turner was a loving father, a respected Marine Corps veteran, and an aspiring electrical engineer. After retiring from the Marines, he dedicated his time to raising his children while working on his degree in electrical engineering.

• Turner was known as a devoted father who prioritized family over everything.
• He was in his final semester of college, earning his degree while caring for his young children.
• He had been accepted into Johns Hopkins University for a Master’s degree in electrical engineering.
• His friends, family, and former military colleagues described him as a natural leader, a compassionate father, and a man of integrity.

Despite his promising future, Collin’s life was tragically cut short in an act of extreme violence.

The Night of September 8, 2021: A Fatal Domestic Dispute

On the evening of September 8, 2021, Collin and Bree Kuhn had a heated argument inside their Gulf Breeze home. Tensions had been escalating for months, with ongoing disputes over their children and their failing marriage.

At 6:22 p.m., Turner called 911, reporting that Kuhn had locked him in the garage and was physically attacking him. In the chilling 911 recording, he can be heard telling the dispatcher, “She’s trying to break my arm!” Moments later, he screamed in pain, exclaiming:

“She just shot me!”

The call captured the sound of additional gunshots as Kuhn fired four rounds into his back, ensuring his instant death.

When police arrived, they found Turner lifeless on the floor, his body riddled with gunshot wounds. Kuhn was standing nearby, visibly shaken, and admitted to officers, “I’m a murderer.”

The Investigation: Gathering Evidence Against Bree Kuhn

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched a homicide investigation. Key evidence included:

• 911 call recordings, proving that Turner was unarmed and pleading for help when he was shot.
• Bodycam footage, capturing Kuhn’s initial shock and confession at the crime scene.
• Ballistics reports, confirming that Kuhn fired multiple rounds into Turner’s back, contradicting any claims of self-defense.
• Eyewitness accounts, including testimony from Turner’s parents and friends, who described prior incidents of domestic turmoil and threats made by Kuhn.

The prosecution quickly built a strong case for premeditated murder, arguing that Kuhn had locked Turner in the garage and deliberately executed him to prevent him from seeking custody of their children.

The Trial: A High-Profile Case of Domestic Homicide

In September 2024, after nearly three years of legal proceedings, Bree Kuhn went to trial for first-degree murder. The case garnered widespread media attention, especially given Kuhn’s military rank and high security clearance at NAS Pensacola.

The Prosecution’s Case: Cold-Blooded Murder

Prosecutors portrayed Kuhn as a controlling and aggressive spouse who was determined to keep Turner away from their children at all costs. Their arguments included:

• Kuhn was the primary aggressor, frequently threatening Turner in the weeks leading up to the shooting.
• Turner posed no threat, as he was on the phone with 911 and had no weapon.
• The locked garage indicated premeditation, as Kuhn had isolated Turner before executing him.
• Turner’s dying words in the 911 call—”She just shot me!”—were undeniable evidence that he was ambushed.

The Defense’s Argument: A Failing Case

Kuhn’s defense team attempted to argue self-defense, claiming she feared for her safety. However, cross-examinations and physical evidence contradicted her claims:

• Turner had no weapon and was clearly seeking police help when shot.
• Kuhn’s lack of remorse, including courtroom footage of her smirking and dismissing concerns, damaged her credibility.
• Witnesses testified that Turner was a loving father, while Kuhn had a history of manipulative and violent behavior.

Conviction and Sentencing: Justice for Collin Turner

On September 27, 2024, after deliberating for just a few hours, the jury returned with a guilty verdict for first-degree premeditated murder.

During sentencing, Collin Turner’s parents gave emotional victim impact statements, describing:

• The pain of losing their son and the emotional trauma inflicted on his children.
• How Turner had planned a bright future before Kuhn brutally ended his life.
• Their belief that Kuhn was a danger to society and would kill again if released.

The judge sentenced Kuhn to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The Aftermath: Impact on the Turner Family and Community

Turner’s tragic murder left a lasting impact on his family, especially his young children. His parents, who now have custody of his children, revealed that:

• The children still live in fear, asking if their new guardians have guns and whether they will be killed too.
• They suffer from nightmares and deep trauma, struggling to understand why their father was taken away from them.
• The family advocates against domestic violence, hoping Turner’s death will serve as a cautionary tale for others trapped in abusive relationships.

Meanwhile, Kuhn remains incarcerated, awaiting the outcome of her appeal. However, legal experts believe her conviction will stand, given the overwhelming evidence against her.

Conclusion

The murder of Collin Turner on September 8, 2021, was a senseless act of violence that stole a father, son, and friend from those who loved him. His tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked domestic violence.

Though justice has been served, his family’s grief will never fade. They continue to honor his memory, ensuring that his children grow up knowing the love their father had for them.

Collin Turner’s story will not be forgotten. Instead, it stands as a powerful warning about the escalation of domestic abuse and the devastating consequences of unchecked anger and control.