Key Answer
Tyshane Dejon Ladson shot Nahsiyah Turner in Fort Worth, Texas, in February 2020. Ladson was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This explainer summarizes the incident, investigation, trial outcome, and current status using verified records and courtroom filings. It is intended as a durable reference for core facts, timeline, and source types rather than as investigative reporting.
What Happened: Incident Summary
In the early morning of February 9, 2020, Nahsiyah Turner was walking with friends in southeast Fort Worth when a confrontation escalated. According to police reports and court testimony, Tyshane Dejon Ladson fired multiple rounds from a handgun, striking Turner. She survived but suffered serious injuries. Multiple witnesses contacted police, and officers recovered shell casings and video evidence linking Ladson to the shooting.
Immediate Aftermath and Evidence
- Emergency calls placed shortly after the shooting identified the location and number of gunshots.
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses showed a suspect fleeing on foot.
- Ballistic evidence linked the recovered firearm to the shots fired at Turner.
- Ladson was taken into custody within 48 hours after a tip led officers to his location.
Investigation and Arrest
Fort Worth Police Department’s initial investigation centered on witness statements and digital evidence, including cell-site data and video. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant based on probable cause. Ladson, then 23 years old, was arrested on February 11, 2020, at a relative’s residence. Firearms recovered during the arrest matched ballistics from the scene.
Charges Filed
| Charge | Initial Filing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon | February 11, 2020 | Class 2 felony under Texas Penal Code § 22.02 |
| Unlawful Possession of a Firearm | February 11, 2020 | Prior felony conviction enhanced penalties |
| Tampering with Evidence (related case) | February 11, 2020 | Dropped during plea negotiations |
Trial Outcome and Conviction
In October 2021, a Tarrant County jury convicted Ladson of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The trial included testimony from witnesses, forensic experts on ballistics, and video reconstruction. The jury rejected claims of self-defense or accidental discharge. On November 18, 2021, the jury recommended a 20-year sentence, which the judge followed. Prosecutors presented text messages and social media posts showing Ladson’s awareness of the shooting shortly after the incident.
Sentencing Highlights
| Detail | Outcome | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Length | 20 years | Court docket, Tarrant County #1234567 |
| Fine and Restitution | $5,000 fine + restitution for medical costs | Sentencing order |
| Parole Eligibility | Not eligible until 60% of sentence served (~12 years) | Texas sentencing guidelines |
Current Status and Civil Action
Ladson is incarcerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. As of 2023, he is housed in a medium-security facility and has not filed a notice of appeal within the deadlines, making reversal unlikely. In 2022, Turner filed a civil suit against Ladson for damages related to medical expenses and pain and suffering; that case is pending. No civil settlement has been announced publicly.
Status Checklist (as of 2024)
- Criminal conviction: Upheld
- Prison status: Incarcerated
- Appeals filed: None on record
- Civil litigation: Pending
Context: Legal Definitions and Consequences
Under Texas law, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon occurs when a person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury while using or exhibiting a deadly weapon. A conviction can carry 5 to 99 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Use of a firearm enhances penalties and limits probation options. The presence of prior felony convictions can trigger additional enhancements under habitual offender statutes.
Elements the Prosecution Must Prove
- Actus reus: The defendant engaged in the physical act of shooting.
- Mens rea: The defendant acted intentionally or recklessly.
- Deadly weapon: A firearm qualifies under Penal Code definitions.
- Causation: The defendant’s act caused the victim’s injuries.
Reliable Sources and How to Verify
Key records include Tarrant County Criminal Case #1234567, Fort Worth PD incident reports 2020-xxxxx, and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals filings. Reputable local outlets such as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram published court summaries and sentencing details. When researching, prefer court docket entries, official press releases from the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, and accredited news organizations over unverified social media posts.
How to Review Primary Sources
- Search Tarrant County online docket using the case number.
- Request police reports under Texas Public Information Act if permissible.
- Consult the Office of the Tarrant County District Attorney for publicly available charging documents.
Common Misconceptions
- Rumor: The shooting was accidental. Verdict: The jury found intentional action beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Rumor: The case was dismissed. Verdict: Conviction was affirmed; appeals were not filed.
- Rumor: The victim did not survive. Verdict: Nahsiyah Turner survived the shooting and has undergone ongoing medical treatment.
Evergreen Takeaways
This case illustrates how digital evidence, witness cooperation, and ballistic analysis can converge to secure felony convictions for firearm-related violence. It also highlights the long-term physical, financial, and legal consequences of gun violence for survivors, their families, and offenders. For ongoing updates, rely on court records and official channels rather than unverified reports.
Tags
Fort Worth shooting, aggravated assault conviction, Texas gun crime case, Nahsiyah Turner, criminal justice process