Athens Police Investigate Fatal Domestic Incident; Ex-Boyfriend Charged with Capital Murder

ATHENS, Alabama — A suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal domestic-related homicide of 44-year-old Michelle Lee Turner in Athens, Alabama.

At approximately 12:52 a.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, officers with the Athens Police Department responded to an emergency dispatch call at the Fifth Avenue Apartments, managed by the Athens Housing Authority at 700 Fifth Avenue. Upon making entry into Turner’s apartment, responding officers located her deceased inside a bedroom. Emergency medical technicians evaluated the scene, and preliminary evidence led law enforcement to initiate an active homicide investigation.

Official Status and Capital Murder Charge

Following initial crime scene processing and investigative leads, Athens Police detectives identified Turner's ex-boyfriend, Calvin Troup, as the primary suspect. Court records indicate Troup had been arrested just eight days prior, on September 20, on a third-degree domestic violence charge involving Turner at the same location.

Assisting officers located Troup in nearby Decatur, Alabama, where he was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Athens Police Department for interrogation. Troup was formally charged with Class A felony Capital Murder and subsequently transferred into the custody of the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, where he is being held without bond pending a preliminary court hearing. The Athens Police Department expressed gratitude to the Decatur Police Department and the Limestone County Sheriff's Office for their joint assistance during the rapid apprehension.

Community Tributes and Family Support

News of Michelle Lee Turner's tragic death has brought profound grief to her family, friends, and neighbors within the Athens and Limestone County communities.

Friends and community members remember Turner as a cherished, loving individual whose life was cut tragically short. Heartfelt condolences continue to be extended to her family and loved ones as they process this loss. Details regarding private visitation hours, memorial services, and formal funeral arrangements will be announced as plans are finalized by her family.