A MARYLAND woman accused of killing a 71-year-old great-grandfather by kicking him in the head during a parking dispute is now being charged with murder.
Kiannah Bonaparte, 49, was initially charged with first-and second-degree assault.
She was also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree assault and reckless endangerment, according to court records.
But now that Gregory Turnipseed’s death has been ruled a homicide, Bonaparte — who was set to go to trial on Tuesday — is expected to face the new charge, according to NBC affiliate WBAL.
Turnipseed’s daughter, La‘Cheryl Turnipseed-White, was among the family members to attend Tuesday’s proceedings.
“I just thought it wasn’t real. I didn’t believe it until I actually saw it. I just couldn’t believe that someone would do that to him,” Turnipseed-White told the outlet
Turnipseed’s cousin, Deborah Carrington, said: “It was very emotional seeing Miss Bonaparte today.”
On October 17, 2025, Turnipseed was walking on Saint Paul Street in Baltimore when he spotted a black Chevrolet SUV waiting for a parking space to open up.
Turnipseed approached the driver to let them know another car was already waiting for the parking spot, the outlet reported.
Bonaparte’s daughter, 15 at the time, allegedly got out of the car and punched Turnipseed in the face, court documents show, per CBS.
Bonaparte then exited the vehicle and jumped on his back, causing him to fall, investigators said, per the outlet.
The suspect delivered one final blow, kicking Turnipseed in the head.
Turnipseed was rushed to a hospital with a brain bleed and underwent surgery, dying the following month after identifying Bonaparte as one of his attackers, per the outlet.
“It was a horrendous thing that she did to a very nice, loving person,” Carrington said.
“There’s no reason for this to have happened to him the way that it did. Don’t be mean. Be kind.”
Turnipseed-White added: “I just can’t believe he’s not here. It’s just different.”
Bonaparte was arrested and remains held at the Baltimore City Booking Intake Center.
She rejected a plea deal before prosecutors decided to pursue the homicide charge, the Baltimore Banner reported.
Those who knew Turnipseed remembered him as a devoted family man and dedicated public servant.
“I’m truly saddened to lose you my friend,” Veleta Wilson wrote on Turnipseed’s obituary page.
“We had great times scouring estate sales and hanging out at Wednesday Wind Downs. Your dressing style was impeccable.”
Felecia, who identified herself as Turnipseed’s wife, wrote: “Thank you for the beautiful life and endless love. Every memory with you is a treasure. I’ll carry you with me, always.”
The Baltimore Police Department did not immediately respond to request for comment.
