Two children of former Cincinnati Bengals player David Lee "Deacon" Turner, who was shot to death by Kern County (Calif.) sheriff's deputies last weekend, were arraigned on multiple charges Tuesday, *The Bakersfield Californian* reported.
Son Ahmod Turner, 25, and daughter Whittney Turner, 24, pleaded not guilty to charges including making criminal threats and participating in a criminal street gang, which resulted from a parking-lot confrontation Sunday at Kern Medical Center after David Turner was pronounced dead.
A preliminary hearing in the case was scheduled for July 26.
According to reports from security officers, someone among a group of angry family members told hospital security there was a gun in the parking lot. Law enforcement was called, and the first deputy to arrive was "rushed," hospital CEO Paul Hensler said. The deputy drew his gun but didn't fire, and the siblings were arrested after more law enforcement arrived.
LeDarrius Davis, a nephew of David Turner who was at the hospital, told the newspaper there was no need to arrest anyone because although there was yelling, no one was threatening anyone.
"(People) are always going to think the police got it right," Davis said.
Turner, 56, was shot and killed Sunday in front of a convenience store after he allegedly hit a deputy with a bag containing two cans of beer.
Turner played in the NFL from 1978 to 1980 after standout careers at Bakersfield's Shafter High School, Bakersfield College and San Diego State University. But he had trouble finding his place in civilian life.
Court records show an arrest history stretching back to 1986 for the former running back and kick-return specialist. The most recent, on June 17, was for driving while his license was revoked because of a conviction for driving under the influence.
On Sunday, Kern County sheriff's deputies were investigating reports of teenagers asking adults to buy alcohol and cigarettes. The deputies approached Turner as he left the store with his 19-year-old son and a 16-year-old juvenile whom authorities haven't identified.
The deputies detained Turner while they investigated. According to reports from the sheriff's office, Turner initially complied with deputies but then decided to leave.
Deputies said a scuffle occurred when they tried to stop Turner. Deputy Aaron Nadal was hit on the back of the head with a bag holding two, 24-ounce cans of beer before deputy Wesley Kraft drew his handgun and fired twice at Turner, authorities said.
Friends and family told The Californian they have trouble believing authorities' account of the story.
"The deputy must have provoked him," Bakersfield College coach Gerry Collins said, according to the newspaper. "He was a marvelous kid."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
