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This episode of True Crime All the Time covers the 1993 murder of seventeen-year-old track star Shelley Turner in Philadelphia and the shocking revelation that her mother, Vivian King, was responsible. The hosts detail Shelley's remarkable athletic achievements, her difficult home life, and the initial suspicion falling on her boyfriend before investigators turned their attention to Vivian. The hosts examine the strange circumstances surrounding the investigation, including Vivian's delayed missing persons report, bizarre behavior at her daughter's funeral, and a damning radio interview where she described details only the killer would know. Ultimately, Vivian confessed to shooting Shelley following an argument over curfew, though she later recanted and claimed coercion. Despite claiming innocence at her trial, Vivian took the stand and contradicted herself, leading a jury to convict her of third-degree murder, for which she received a sentence of ten to twenty years.
The hosts introduce themselves and set the stage for the episode.
Mike and Mike outline the basic facts of Shelley Turner’s disappearance and the initial police focus on her boyfriend.
The hosts detail Shelley’s upbringing, track achievements, and the family dynamics that may have contributed to tension.
A chronological recount of the events on January 17‑18, 1993, including the delayed missing‑person report and the discovery of the body.
Police find Shelley’s body in Fairmount Park and begin to suspect her mother, Vivian King, as the primary suspect.
Vivian confesses to shooting her daughter but claims the confession was coerced, leading to a complex defense narrative.
The trial features testimony from coaches, family members, and law enforcement, painting a contentious picture of the family’s relationships.
The jury convicts Vivian of third‑degree murder, sparking debate over intent and the impact of her testimony.
Discussion of Vivian Turner's 1994 sentencing, paternity test revelations, and child support extortion attempt.
Hosts speculate on possible motives, including jealousy and curfew issues, for Vivian's killing of her daughter.
A voicemail from a New Hampshire fan requests coverage of the Bear Brook murders.
Hosts thank the caller, acknowledge the Bear Brook case, and hint at future coverage.
Shelley Turner Athletic Careerstory
Seventeen-year-old Shelley Turner was a star high school track athlete in Philadelphia who finished fifth in a national championship and held a scholarship offer from Clemson University.
Delayed Missing Persons Reportdata
Shelley's mother, Vivian King, waited nearly 48 hours to report her missing after she failed to return home from a date, raising initial red flags for investigators.
A man walking his dog in Fairmount Park found Shelley's frozen, partially decomposed body under leaves and debris 33 days after she went missing, showing gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Suspicious Radio Interviewinsight
During a radio interview, Vivian King described specific details about the crime scene before it was fully made public, mentioning her daughter's teeth glistening in the moonlight.
Vivian's Confession to Policestory
Vivian confessed to police that she shot Shelley in the park following a physical altercation over curfew, claiming she struck her unconscious daughter with a gun before firing.
Recanting the Confessionstrategy
While meeting with a reverend in jail, Vivian recanted her confession, claiming police threatened and verbally assaulted her until she signed a statement under duress.
Third-Degree Murder Convictiondata
A jury found Vivian King guilty of third-degree murder after she took the stand in her own defense and contradicted her previous statements, resulting in a sentence of ten to twenty years.
Paternity Revelation from Prisonstory
After attempting to collect thousands of dollars in back child support from prison, a paternity test revealed that Alvin Turner was not Shelley's biological father.
“She had so many medals, it was hard for her family to display them all.”
“She was a national‑class runner. She ran so well at so many types of races, she had tremendous range.”
“Vivian said she was drunk and was in the kitchen getting food.”
“The verdict indicated that jurors believed Vivian did not intend to kill Shelley, only to hurt her.”
“I did not kill my daughter. I know the jury found me guilty of the crime.”
“To, from prison, try to recoup $8,000 in child support from a man who's not even your daughter's father.”
“She even had a chance at competing in the Olympics, but her life was tragically cut short by her own mother.”
“I don't know, but whatever the reason is, it wouldn't help anyone understand how a mother could kill their own daughter.”
“I think that probably the reason we haven't done it so far is because there have been whole podcasts, right?”
Shilie Turner was a talented 17-year-old high school track star and team captain with a scholarship offer from Clemson and dreams of competing in the Olympics. On January 17, 1993, she told her mother she was going to a dance but actually spent the evening with her new boyfriend, Shaun Williams. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Shilie Turner. Around 1:00 a.m., Shaun walked Shilie to a bus stop. A bus driver confirmed she boarded alone and later got off near 60th and Girard, about six blocks from home. Shilie never made it home. Her mother, Vivian King, waited nearly 48 hours before reporting her missing. You can help support the show at patreon.com/truecrimeallthetime Visit the show's website at truecrimeallthetime.com for contact, merchandise, and donation information An Emash Digital production See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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