A 31-year-old Arizona man was charged with homicide on Oct. 28, after he allegedly shot and killed his landlord, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Michael Blaine Turner Jr. of Golden Valley had been living in the residence of 42-year-old Joshua William-James Blake, who was reported missing by relatives on Aug. 31 and had not been seen or heard from for about four weeks prior.
Investigators discovered that Turner Jr., together with an accomplice, Hunter McGuire, shot the victim and then buried the body on an abandoned property nearby. Blake, who had been renting to Turner Jr., was involved in an argument about delayed rent and possible eviction just days before his disappearance. Blake also allegedly took the blame for a shooting at the property in June 2022, and threatened to go to the police to report Turner Jr. for being the actual shooter.
After Blake’s disappearance, Turner Jr. attempted to take possession of Blake’s residence by notarizing a bill of sale. He was found to be in possession of a vehicle that Blake owned, which Turner Jr. was driving during his arrest on Sept. 1. He was illegally in possession of a firearm and narcotics at the time. Turner Jr. has since been in custody at the Mohave County Adult Detention Facility.
Detectives identified the possible burial site of the victim on Oct. 26, after obtaining a warrant. The remains, buried approximately 3 feet down, were identified as Joshua Blake. An autopsy by the Mohave County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
Turner Jr. is currently in custody for unrelated charges and has gained a charge of first degree murdeer. His accomplice, Hunter McGuire, committed suicide after being pursued by law enforcement on Oct. 21. McGuire was identified as having committed multiple homicides in other areas.
The investigation is ongoing and additional information is yet to be released.
