A Promising Life Cut Short

Marina was known for her vibrant spirit, love for animals, and deep commitment to science. Friends and colleagues remember her as a bright and compassionate individual who brought warmth to every room she entered. Her fiancé’s coworkers described her as “really vibrant” and someone who “loved dogs” . Her untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew her.

The Tragic Incident

The sequence of events began around 3:50 p.m. when Newark Police located an unreturned U-Haul van parked in a shopping center on the 200 block of East Main Street. The vehicle had been due back on March 18 and was reported for unauthorized use. At approximately 4:34 p.m., Gordon Turner, 22, of New Castle, Delaware, and a passenger returned to the van. As officers approached, Turner allegedly drove over a curb, struck a police vehicle, and fled onto East Main Street at high speed. Police did not pursue the vehicle but remained in the shopping center .

Turner lost control of the van near Haines Street, striking two pedestrians—Marina and another 24-year-old graduate student. The van then collided with several parked cars, including vehicles occupied by multiple individuals. A chain reaction caused one of the parked vehicles to strike a third pedestrian . Marina was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other victims sustained various injuries.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Gordon Turner was apprehended after receiving medical evaluation and is now facing multiple charges, including:

• Second-degree murder
• Felony murder
• First-degree felony assault
• Disregarding a police officer’s signal
• Possession of marijuana exceeding personal use quantity

Investigations revealed that Turner was a fugitive wanted in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In Maryland, a warrant had been issued for his arrest in February 2025 after he failed to appear in court for an illegal gun possession case to which he had pleaded guilty . He is currently held on a $305,500 cash bond .

Community Response and Memorials

The University of Delaware community is mourning the loss of Marina. Vice President for Student Life José-Luis Riera expressed the collective grief, stating, “Our community is hurting” . University President Dennis Assanis also conveyed condolences, emphasizing the tragedy’s impact on students, faculty, and staff .

A memorial has been established at the crash site, adorned with flowers and signs advocating for increased pedestrian safety. Messages like “Raise the crosswalks. No need for speed” reflect the community’s call for action to prevent future tragedies .

A Call for Justice and Change

Marina’s death has ignited conversations about pedestrian safety and law enforcement protocols in Newark. As the community grieves, there is a collective demand for justice and measures to ensure such incidents do not recur. Marina’s legacy as a passionate scientist and compassionate individual will continue to inspire those who knew her.

For those with information related to the incident, please contact Cpl. Jon Lee at (302) 366-7100 ext. 3462

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