Man, 23, charged in hit-and-run that killed Michael Turner, Dallas PD says
DALLAS, TX – A 23-year-old man was charged with a felony in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed 32-year-old Michael Turner earlier this month.
Back Story
The hit-and-run crash happened before 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at the intersection of Buckner Boulevard and Elam Road, Fox4News said. The police affidavit shows that Turner was crossing the intersection when he was struck by a white sedan, later confirmed to be driven by the 23-year-old man.
The 23-year-old man, identified as Jesus Manuel Ayala, did not render aid to Turner and immediately fled the scene. Turner died from his injuries, and Ayala’s white Ford Crown Victoria was later seen at a Murphy USA gas station, which was captured by surveillance footage.
Events leading up to the arrest
Surveillance footage later captured what looked like Ayala’s white Ford Crown Victoria at a Murphy USA gas station, which was captured by surveillance footage.
Police found a driver’s side mirror with black duct tape wrapped around it and also used an automatic license plate reader that identified Ayala’s white sedan, which had an Oklahoma license plate.
Police also connected the same white sedan to Ayala after they reviewed an additional police report from January 2026 that also mentioned the same vehicle and Ayala identifying himself as the owner of that vehicle.
On July 3, two days after the crash, police conducted a phone interview with Ayala, who claimed he was sleeping at his apartment residence when the crash occurred and alleged his car was not locked, indicating that someone could have broken in and used his car prior to and during the crash.
Police said it was the license plate reader images that contradicted Ayala’s account.
Later on July 8, police located Ayala’s Crown Victoria hidden behind the apartment complex’s fence and with a tarp underneath that highlighted damage consistent with the hit-and-run crash, a missing license plate, and his driver’s side mirror missing.
Police also got a hold of text messages Ayala sent to the mother of his child, telling her to call her back and telling her about how he hid his car and Dallas Police surrounding his apartment.
Police concluded that Ayala’s messages were sent at the same time that they surrounded his place of residence.
Police later arrested Ayala.
If you lost a family member to a hit-and-run crash, don’t delay in connecting with Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers. Whether the driver was found or remains at large, we can help you recover your deserved compensation for your injuries, medical bills, car repairs, and other losses, all while you focus on your recovery. Speak to one of our Dallas hit-and-run accident lawyers today. Contact us online or by phone at (214) 777-7777 to discuss your next steps.
Note: The information included in this post was derived from secondary sources and has not been independently confirmed. Any inaccurate information will be corrected immediately after being brought to the site’s attention. If you identify any false information within this story, please inform us immediately so we can adjust the post to contain the most accurate information available surrounding this event.
Disclaimer: The intent of this post is to provide general information to our readers and to help improve the safety and quality of life of those who live in our state. At the Benton Law Firm, we intend to honor those who are victimized in accidents across Texas. We aim to provide up-to-date information to the public surrounding these incidents in hopes of helping others to avoid becoming victims themselves or to know how to respond should a tragedy occur. Do not rely on any information within this post. Instead, seek further assistance from a legal or medical professional whenever necessary.