Man Found Guilty of Brutal Murders of Mother and Infant; will Serve Two Consecutive Life Sentences

Shelby County, TN—Following a week-long trial that ended Saturday, Enoch Turner has been convicted by a jury for the murders of 32-year-old Heather Cook and her 4-month-old son, Bentley Cook, in 2019. Turner, later identified as the father of the infant, was found guilty of First-Degree Murder charges, Aggravated Child Abuse, Aggravated Arson, and Especially Aggravated Burglary.  

Motivated by a desire to evade his paternal responsibilities, Turner killed Cook after she pursued legal measures to establish paternity. On September 13, 2019, the eve of the scheduled paternity test, Turner broke into Cook’s home and stabbed her over 100 times. He stabbed the infant, Bently Cook, ten times before setting the house on fire and fleeing. 

Turner was apprehended by police that same day. He attempted to fabricate his alibi before reluctantly admitting to his presence at the crime scene but denying guilt, claiming that he “found them like that.”

During the trial, the State presented overwhelming evidence, resulting in a unanimous conviction on all counts.

Lead prosecutor Paul Hagerman emphasized the gravity of Turner's crimes, underscoring the loss suffered by Heather and Bentley's loved ones.

After Turner was found guilty, the prosecution agreed to two consecutive life without parole sentences.

“He will never be released from jail,” said Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman, who served as a prosecutor on the case along with Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen. “The family wants everyone to remember that being a mom meant everything to Heather; and even though Bently only lived four months, everyone could tell that his mom meant everything to him. It has always been our mission to ensure from that date on that Turner never gets out of jail.”

The State noticed the death penalty and pursued it until the jury convicted the defendant. At that time, the State, with the agreeance of the family, agreed to two life without parole sentences.

“This ensures Turner dies in prison, and that was what the family wanted. Their peace matters,” Hagerman said. Saturday night, Heather and Bentley got some justice. The next day, Mother’s Day, the family took some extra time to remember them—this time with the peace that Turner can never hurt anyone like them again."

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