CHEATHAM COUNTY, TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News) — An ongoing investigation into the 2023 death of 5-year-old Turner Simpkins has resulted in the arrest of his father, Austin Gordon Simpkins, following earlier legal actions against Shannon Leigh Elliott, who was sentenced to life in prison for her role in the child’s death.
The Case
The case began on July 23, 2023, when first responders discovered Turner Simpkins unresponsive at his residence on Poplar Ridge Road in 
Chapmansboro. Turner was found on the side deck of the home, not breathing and with a body temperature of 86 degrees. Medical personnel were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at 4:42 p.m.
Investigators determined that Turner’s death resulted from chronic blunt force injuries and malnourishment, with the manner of death classified as homicide.
Extensive evidence presented during Shannon Leigh Elliott’s trial in 2024 revealed Turner suffered months of abuse at her hands, which included physical assaults captured on surveillance footage and prolonged neglect.
Elliott, the girlfriend of Austin Simpkins, pleaded no contest (FULL STORY) and was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole, along with additional sentences for aggravated child abuse involving torture. VIDEO BELOW
During her sentencing, Judge Wolf further clarified that a life sentence requires serving at least 51 years before eligibility for parole. Given the severity of her crimes and the additional time for the other charges, Judge Wolfe said to Elliott during the hearing, “Based on what I’ve heard today, it’s unlikely in my opinion that you are ever going to see the outside based on what happened to this child. — I’ve sentenced people to life in prison in other, more serious situations, in the form of a death penalty case that I’ve had. I’ve never heard a more horrific statement of facts in my entire life.” [Here, the judge paused for a moment, as he looked down before continuing.] “Nor have I heard anything that I can imagine what this child went through, so I’m sentencing you to life in prison. It’s my hope that you will serve that for the rest of your life.”
New Developments
On January 6, 2025, the Cheatham County Grand Jury indicted 30-year-old Austin Gordon Simpkins on one count of Aggravated Child Neglect and three counts of Child Abuse and Child Neglect or Endangerment. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Simpkins was aware of the abuse inflicted by Elliott over several months but failed to report or intervene to protect his son. The indictment followed a thorough investigation by TBI special agents, the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
Simpkins was arrested on Monday and booked into the Cheatham County Jail. His bond has been set at $500,000.
Legal Process
The charges against Simpkins are allegations at this stage, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. The judicial process will determine his accountability for the neglect and abuse that led to Turner’s tragic death.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
The full hearing with Judge David D. Wolfe presiding for Shannon Leigh Elliott’s sentencing has been added below. It should begin at 4 minutes and 55 seconds in play
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