Prosecutors: Half-brother, wife accused of dumping man's remains in Lake Mattoon

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Prosecutors accused a man's half-brother and wife of killing him and cutting up his body before dumping some of the remains into Lake Mattoon.

Illinois State Police said boaters discovered part of an arm belonging to 38-year-old Dalewayne Turner of Plainfield floating in the lake on June 28.

During the investigation, ISP identified 26-year-old James Adams and 62-year-old Robin Turner as suspects. Investigators executed a search warrant on July 1, at a home in Plainfield, where Adams and Turner were taken into custody. ISP said additional evidence was also recovered during the search.

The Will County State’s Attorney’s Office charged Adams and Turner with concealing a homicidal death and dismembering a human body. Both remain in custody, and ISP said additional charges are expected.

Prosecutors said in court documents Monday that Adams stabbed Dalewayne Turner to death and later claimed it was self-defense after a fight. Prosecutors said Turner’s body was hidden in the basement of Adams' home before being dismembered.

Adams is Turner's half-brother.

Investigators alleged the remains were placed in trash bags and plastic totes, then transported to Lake Mattoon. Prosecutors said weights were placed in the bags in an attempt to sink them to the bottom of the lake.

Prosecutors also alleged Adams and Robin Turner attempted to cover up the killing by using bleach, repainting parts of the home, removing wood paneling and carpeting, and burning those materials in a fire pit. Prosecutors said Robin Turner also searched online for information about covering up a homicide.