Man Who Killed Ex-Girlfriend With Truck at Holiday Party Gets Up to 60 Years in Prison
May 22, 2025 — A man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend by deliberately running her over with his truck at a holiday party has been sentenced to up to 60 years in prison, bringing a tragic and emotionally charged case to a close.
The incident occurred in December 2023 during a Christmas gathering in suburban Illinois, where 39-year-old Jacob Turner used his pickup truck to fatally strike his former partner, 35-year-old Emily Sanchez, following a heated argument. The horrifying act unfolded in front of several shocked partygoers, including friends and family members, many of whom testified during the trial.
During sentencing on Wednesday, Judge Carolyn Marks called Turner’s actions “brutal, intentional, and devoid of remorse,” emphasizing that the maximum sentence reflected the severity of the crime. “This was not an accident. This was a deliberate act of rage that took the life of a young woman with a bright future,” Judge Marks said.
Prosecutors revealed that Turner had a history of domestic abuse and had repeatedly threatened Sanchez in the months leading up to the attack. Text messages, voicemails, and witness accounts painted a disturbing picture of harassment and escalating violence. Authorities said Sanchez had recently ended their relationship and was attempting to move on with her life.
Assistant State’s Attorney Rachel Grant told the court that Sanchez had expressed fear for her safety before the incident and had even considered filing a restraining order. “Emily was trying to reclaim her independence and find peace. That was taken from her in the most violent and senseless way imaginable,” Grant said during the sentencing hearing.
The case attracted widespread attention, not only for the shocking nature of the crime but also for its broader implications about domestic violence and how it often escalates when victims try to leave abusive partners. Advocacy groups have used the case as a rallying cry for stronger protections and more resources for domestic violence victims.
Turner, who showed little emotion during the trial, briefly addressed the court before sentencing but stopped short of an apology. “What happened was a mistake,” he said, a statement that drew gasps from the victim’s family seated in the courtroom. The judge quickly responded, saying, “This was no mistake—it was murder.”
Sanchez’s family, wearing T-shirts with her photo, wept as the sentence was read. Her sister, Maria Sanchez, spoke through tears: “Emily didn’t deserve this. She was kind, generous, and full of love. Our family is forever broken.”
Turner will be eligible for parole after serving 45 years, according to the terms of the sentence. The judge also ordered mandatory counseling for domestic violence offenders as part of Turner’s prison term, should he ever be released.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers victims face when leaving abusive relationships, and local organizations are urging anyone in similar situations to seek help through hotlines, shelters, and legal services.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org for confidential support.
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