Victim’s son speaks at Ball’s sentencing

By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

August 08, 2008 03:30 am

— JEFFERSON — For four months, Scott Turner has thought about the day he could speak on his father’s behalf.
Late at night, the computer’s soft glow on his face, Turner studied Angela Ball’s criminal record, reports of the neglect of her children and the many times various courts let her slip through the cracks.
On Thursday, Turner squared his shoulders and thought of those nights, the birthdays and weddings and holidays spent in tears, and spoke to the woman who killed his father.
“I have a picture that was taken less than 24 hours before my father’s death,” Turner said. “You can’t see my birthday cake for the blazing candles, but my dad is there — my dad was there,” he said.
Ball, 28, of Saybrook Township, drove into Richard Turner’s car April 8, killing him as she fled a traffic stop by police on Route 534 for speeding.
Ball, who was drunk at the time of the crash, received eight years for Turner’s death and two years for fleeing police.
“My dad could fix or build anything. He was a good teacher, a good father, and he was my best friend,” Turner said. “There is no way he should be where he is now.”
Ball moaned at low volume as Turner spoke. Ashtabula County assistant prosecutor Harold Specht Jr. held up a montage of photos and mementos. The rest of the Turner family sat in the courtroom, holding framed pictures of Turner and his dog, Buddy.
“The thing is, my dad had no use for drug addicts and alcoholics.” Turner said. “My dad had a hard time believing people could get away with stuff like this. My dad was 71 years old when he was killed, and he still had a lot of life left in him. He wasn’t ready to go.”
Turner was a local character known for allowing his black poodle to ride on the gas tank of his motorcycle. Popular at Eddie’s Grill in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Turner also took pride in his antique cars.
After the sentencing, Turner led his family through the courthouse and away from Ball, who will spend 10 years at the Ohio State Reformatory for Women in Marysville.
“This family needs to start healing,” Turner said. “For four months, we have concentrated on doing our best for dad. We will always remember him — always, every day — in everything we do. We miss him, and nothing will change that, not even (Ball’s) 10 years in jail. Now is our time to find peace.”