CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — An investigation conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) led to the arrest of a Chapmansboro man in connection with the 2023 death of a child.
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The TBI joined the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) on an investigation into the death of Turner Simpkins. Authorities found Turner’s body at his Poplar Ridge Road residence in Chapmansboro and determined over the course of the investigation that Turner died of chronic blunt force injuries and malnourishment.
Agents determined the manner of Turner’s death as a homicide. Additionally, they learned of chronic severe child abuse by the girlfriend of Turner’s father — Austin Simpkins. An investigation found the abuse had taken place over the course of several months, although Austin did not make any reports of abuse nor attempt to stop it.
The girlfriend, Shannon Leigh Elliott, was indicted in March 2024 on multiple charges, including first-degree murder. In August , a grand jury found her guilty on the first-degree murder charge and other aggravated child abuse charges. A judge said Elliott would serve at least 51 years before being eligible for parole.