Plea Deal Involving HS Basketball Player Sparks Outrage

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DALLAS (CBS11) - Tammy Simpson repeatedly became overcome with emotion as she lashed out at former Dallas ISD High School basketball star Johnathan Turner.

On Monday, he pleaded guilty to manslaughter for beating to death her son, Troy Causey, Jr., a fellow basketball star player. "I cannot deny nor conceal the pain you have caused my family. The world needs to understand the effects of senseless crime has on victims and their loved ones."

Simpson and her family are also angry that prosecutors didn't take the case to trial, and instead offered Turner seven years probation --without serving time in prison.

Prosecutors say the witnesses weren't cooperating and changed their initial story.

Jason Hermus, an assistant Dallas County Assistant District Attorney says, "We want to do what's in the best interest of the family. We want to make them feel there's justice, but we also have an obligation to the community and that obligation is equally important."

Simpson says, "Probation is not what I wanted, it's not what I agreed to. It is not suitable, it is not a suitable punishment for this crime."

But Turner's lawyer, Kobby Warren, says both youngsters were involved in what began as a fight.

"Troy and Johnathan were friends. They were brothers. They played basketball together. This wasn't malicious, it's how we got to manslaughter. This was a a horrible, traffic accident that Johnathan feels sorry and terrible about."

But Causey Jr.'s father isn't buying it.

During victim impact statements, Referrel Simpson told Turner, "You got all these people fooled, but you don't have me fooled."

Simpson's mother told Turner, "You never told the truth, I can't forgive you."

The case led to a recruiting scandal at Dallas ISD. The district fired 15 employees.

Simpson says she will file a civil lawsuit in the case. "This picture is bigger. This is a machine I'm fighting. It's not over. Everyone will be held accountable."

While she says her legal fight will continue, Warren says Turner now plans on going to college.

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