JD Turner

A jury convicted a 34-year-old Lawrence man Wednesday of attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault and domestic battery, District Attorney Charles Branson said.

JD Turner was first taken into custody after a man was shot in Dad Perry Park in the 1200 block of Monterey Way at about 2:15 a.m. on Feb. 14. The victim, Anthony Wisdom, called police after the incident, telling them Turner had shot him and fled the scene in a black BMW.

Wisdom testified during a preliminary hearing in March that he suffered nine bullet wounds on his arm, abdomen, pelvis and leg. He said he ran for cover in a wooded area after Turner started shooting and dialed 911 once he heard Turner drive away.

Wisdom was flown by air ambulance to Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka. Officers found Turner later that same morning.

Rebecca Wadkins, Turner’s girlfriend, testified in March that Turner had given her a black eye the day before the shooting. Wisdom, the shooting victim, was a longtime friend of Wadkins.

After the domestic battery occurred, Wadkins said Turner saw a Facebook message from Wisdom to Wadkins saying Wisdom wanted to “put hands on” Turner. Turner then held a gun to Wadkins head and forced her to tell Wisdom to meet Turner in the park where the shooting happened, prosecutors said in February.

Turner’s trial took place Monday and Tuesday, with the jury hearing closing arguments Wednesday morning. Turner’s defense attorney said during closing arguments that an unknown person was responsible for shooting the victim.

The jury deliberated for an hour and a half Wednesday, before reaching its guilty verdict, Branson said.

Sentencing will be Aug. 7.