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Sect leader sentenced to 50 years in prison for murder
Wednesday, October 31, 2001
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
EVERETT -- The leader of an apocalyptic religious sect has been sentenced to more than 50 years in prison for murder on top of an 89-year term for other crimes in California.
Christopher Turgeon, 38, head of a group called the Gatekeepers and self-proclaimed manifestation of the prophet Elijah, delivered a 10-minute sermon in Snohomish County Superior Court before being sentenced Tuesday for the killing of Dan Jess, 40.
Occasionally raising his voice, Turgeon said God is angry with the United States for legalizing abortion, allowing homosexuality and proclaiming equal rights for women.
"Repent from your wicked deeds and be saved, for the time of judgment is at hand," he said.
Deputy prosecutor David Kurtz said Turgeon was twisting "portions of American history just like he twists portions of Scripture, to do evil."
Judge Joseph A. Thibodeau ordered that Turgeon's 50-year, 8-month sentence be served after he completes his term for attempted murder of a police officer, robbery and other crimes in the San Diego area.
Turgeon would thus have to live to the age of 175 to become eligible for release.
As head of Gatekeepers, initially called Ahabah Asah Prophetic Ministries, Turgeon predicted the destruction of the United States and preached that followers should kill homosexuals, doctors who perform abortions and people who believe in equal rights for women.
The group was based in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Everett and Lake Stevens before Turgeon moved it to Pala, Calif., about 40 miles north of San Diego, in 1997.
Evidence showed Turgeon and Blaine Alan Applin drove to Mountlake Terrace in March 1998 to gun down Jess, a former member whom Turgeon feared would tell authorities how the Gatekeepers bilked businesses and clients of money before heading south.
Turgeon sat in the getaway car as Applin pulled the trigger.
Applin, 31, was also convicted of murder and was sentenced earlier to 39 years in prison concurrently with the 101-year term he faces in California.
Lawyers for Turgeon and Applin argued in vain at their trial that they should be found innocent by reason of insanity.
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