A Louisiana man was arrested on Wednesday for murdering and dismembering a woman who disappeared last year.
Sheryl Turner, 19, was last seen on New Year’s Eve 2023 — three weeks before a hunter reportedly discovered her torso in the Ouachita River. Anthony Holland, Jr., 29, confessed to killing and dismembering Turner in his West Monroe home, according to KNOE.
DNA testing completed in late February confirmed the torso as Turner. An autopsy detailed how she suffered genital bruising and hemorrhaging on her lower back and around her neck. The report also stated that her neck was severed and her arms and legs were removed, according to The Advocate.
An affidavit stated that Turner and Holland were corresponding on TextNow and they made plans for Holland to pick up Turner. KATC reported that Holland picked up Turner on New Year’s Day and brought her to his home.
“She sent a text message to her twin sister stating that she had met someone in Ouachita Parish and was going to move there. Sheryl also sent a text message to a family friend stating that she had made it to West Monroe, La. and she would talk to him soon,” the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Department alleged in a statement released on Wednesday.
Turner’s phone stopped transmitting a signal before midnight on January 2. It was reportedly last connected to a WiFi network at Holland’s home.
Traffic cameras reportedly filmed Holland’s car in the area where Turner’s torso was discovered on January 25. Forensic evidence suggested that Turner’s remains were in the water for roughly four days, according to KATC.
Holland allegedly told police that he killed Turner during sex and then dismembered her body. A search of Holland’s home reportedly uncovered blood on his mattress and floor.
The Advocate reported that Holland used a large kitchen knife to dismember Turner. He allegedly then put her severed remains in a duffel bag and plastic bags.
It is not immediately known when exactly Holland killed Turner, as authorities have only revealed when they believe the remains were dumped.
Holland is charged with second-degree murder. He remains jailed without bond.
