Green Country Family Frustrated After Loved One Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver

By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6

UNDATED -- A Green Country family is frustrated over how long it takes to get blood work back from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations' lab.

Their loved one was killed by a suspected drunk driver in Rogers County in July, but because the lab results aren't back yet, no charges have been filed and the family is wondering why it takes so long.

Not only is this family ready for some justice, but they're worried that the driver is still out there, behind the wheel and could do this again before anything happens to him.

His family says Chris Turner was a man with a big personality who tried to make life fun. They say he was outgoing, outwardly gruff, but the heart of his family, who liked to plan and take trips and loved working on cars and creating hot rods.

"I tell people my uncle was killed, but he was so much more," said John Nelson, Chris' nephew.

Chris was also a husband, a father, brother, son and friend to many. He was on his motorcycle July 10th, 2010, when he happened to cross paths with a man witnesses say was driving erratically, speeding and ran a stop sign.

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Police arrested Leonard Ellis, 25.  He was booked into jail on complaints including manslaughter and suspicion of DUI.  He bonded out the next day and now, two months later, he's still out.

No charges have been filed and Chris' family has been told the case is stalled until Ellis' blood work comes back from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

"It's very difficult for us to understand why the toxicology report takes as long as it is, and why we hear so little about why it does take so long," said Jim Turner, Chris' brother.

Records show Ellis was arrested in 2006 for driving under the influence of drugs, but the case was later dismissed.  That same year, he was arrested for possession of marijuana and public intoxication. He pled guilty and got a deferred sentence. He also has two speeding and one reckless driving conviction.

Chris' family feels it's time for justice.

"It's just ridiculous to think somebody who did so much for so many people, gets taken away like that and he's out wandering around, perfectly fine to do whatever he wants, it's ridiculous." Nelson said.

News On 6 anchor Lori Fullbright asked OSBI where Ellis' blood work is in the process and how long it generally takes for blood work, but was told they wouldn't have the answer until Friday.

A couple of police agencies and DA said getting DUI blood work back usually takes around three to six months, but they've waited as long as a year.