TEXARKANA, Texas -- A man accused of strangling his girlfriend to death in August has been indicted by a Bowie County grand jury for murder.
Travis Alston Turner, 27, allegedly took the life of 29-year-old Jennifer Garrett by strangling her Aug. 12 at a residence in the 6200 block of Summerhill Place in Texarkana, Texas. Turner faces five to 99 years or life in prison if convicted.
Turner was arrested for murder by members of the Texarkana Texas Police Department the same day Garrett's body was discovered, according to a probable cause affidavit. Garrett was allegedly five feet from the front door when two friends went to check on her after she failed to come to work Aug. 12, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Turner allegedly cracked open the door and told Garrett's friends she hadn't been home since the night before, despite her car being parked at the residence. The friends reportedly parked nearby and waited until Turner left in a black BMW before making entry into the residence. Police were called when Garrett was discovered deceased on the couch.
Turner returned to the residence while police were on scene and was taken into custody.
Turner is expected to appear for arraignment on the murder charge next month before 202nd District Judge John Tidwell.
Turner is facing other criminal charges in Bowie County, Texas, and in Miller County, Arkansas.
A little more than two weeks before Garrett's death, Turner was charged with misdemeanor domestic violence assault involving his mother, according to court records.
An information filed in that case alleges Turner caused injury to her by "striking her and physically picking her up and throwing her, causing her to fall and injure herself."
After Turner's arrest for murder, County Court at Law Judge Craig Henry granted a motion Crisp filed seeking revocation of Turner's bond in the misdemeanor case. That means he is being held without bond in Bowie County.
Turner is facing charges of battery and terroristic acts in Miller County, Arkansas. Turner allegedly shot at a house, injuring one, Feb. 26, in Texarkana, Arkansas, according to court records. Turner was released from the Miller County jail March 4 after posting a $50,000 bond.
Following his arrest for murder in Bowie County, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Cotten filed a motion to revoke Turner's bond in the Arkansas case which was granted by a Miller County circuit judge. That means that even if Turner resolves his charges in Texas, he will not be freed as he is currently wanted by authorities in Arkansas.