A former Playboy model, Kelsey Turner, was sentenced to 10-25 years in prison after she agreed to a plea deal for the murder of Dr. Thomas Burchard, a California psychiatrist back in 2019.
In March 2019, the victim’s body was found inside the model’s abandoned Mercedes trunk outside Las Vegas. Further investigation showed that the doctor was hit multiple times by an unknown object with a “unique pattern.”
The psychiatrist was funding the extravagant lifestyle of Turner for two years prior to his death. In further statements, provided by Judy Earp, who was the psychiatrist’s fiancé at the time, Dr. Burchard was labeled as a “sugar daddy.”
When Dr. Burchard decided to end the relationship, he traveled to California to meet with Turner. The model was not happy with his decision, and Earp presented evidence that shows Turner forged Burchard’s signature in various documents to steal his money. Afraid of being caught, Turner and her then-boyfriend, Jon Logan Kennison, 29, murdered Burchard with the help of their roommate, Diana Pena.
In addition to the testimony provided against Turner, other evidence was obtained at the scene of the crime. Fingerprints and footprints were traced back to Turner, Kennison and Pena. At their home, various blood and cleaning supplies were found. Pena, 34, was their roommate at the time and was also found guilty of being an accomplice and accessory to the crime. She testified that she helped clean the scene of the crime along with Turner and Kennison.
During her initial arrest back in 2019, Turner falsely accused Burchard of domestic violence as she saw child sexual abuse material and strongly testified that she was a victim. She also tried to get money from the situation and set up a GoFundMe campaign in order to gain sympathy from the public and fund her defense.
Kennison and Pena were sentenced previously. Kennison was sentenced to 18 to 45 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and conspiracy. Pena pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the crime. Turner was sentenced in January 2023.
