A 17-year-old from the Bronx, who has been arrested 20 times, has become a focal point for criticism of the Raising the Age Act. Law enforcement claims that this teenager exemplifies the act’s shortcomings.
Julian Turner, a drill rapper, was most recently taken into custody on October 10 for possessing a firearm at a subway station in Penn Station. A police officer highlighted the alarming situation, stating, “A 17-year-old kid who tried to kill people with a gun is still walking around with a gun. What do you think he’s going to do with it? He’s going to kill someone.”
All of Turner’s arrests came after the Left Hander Bill was enacted in April 2017, raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18. Officials argue that this law fails to help Turner, who is alleged to be part of the Young Gunners gang and is known for his music career under the name Baby B.Dot.
Kevin O’Connor, a former NYPD Deputy Commissioner for Youth Services, pointed out that the act prevents judges from considering a child’s criminal record when determining actions. He remarked, “He’s 17 years old and a career criminal. Thanks to Raise the Age, we can make this happen. How many people have to be shot or killed before we change the law?”
Currently, Turner is on parole until August 2026 after a juvenile offense. Law enforcement reports indicate he was spotted flashing gang signs with another teen and was being watched when he began acting suspiciously. When officers attempted to search him, he allegedly resisted, resulting in a physical altercation captured on body cameras. Eventually, a loaded handgun with a defaced serial number was discovered.
Turner faces charges of weapon possession and resisting arrest, with bail set at $75,000 or $175,000 cash. Authorities also allege that he robbed a 32-year-old man at gunpoint in early September.
Turner’s criminal history began at the young age of 10 when he was arrested for threatening children with a fake gun. In incidents that followed, he was involved in various offenses, including assault and robbery. Though many of his cases resulted in no public records due to his age, he was linked to serious crimes throughout his youth.
For instance, in September 2022, he reportedly fired shots into a Dunkin Donuts and later shot a man in the leg from a scooter. While he faced charges related to these actions, the details about his juveniles cases remain confidential.
O’Connor reiterated the urgency for legal change, saying, “There is no accountability for Raise the Age. How many times does it take? How many people have to be shot or killed before we change the law?” Attempts to reach Turner’s attorney were unsuccessful.
