GoFundMe Set Up for Sunliner Diner Murder Victim’s Funeral Expenses

The family of the young woman murdered by a coworker outside the Sunliner Diner in Pigeon Forge has set up a fundraiser to help pay funeral expenses.

According to the Sevierville Police Department, 19-year-old Savannah Elizabeth Burford, of Newport, worked at the Sunliner Diner and was stabbed by a coworker in the parking lot as she left work about 8:40 p.m. on January 8, 2020. An ambulance transported Burford to LeConte Medical Center. She was later flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where she passed away from her injuries.

Burford’s mother Julia Cutter was waiting for her daughter in the parking lot outside the Sunliner Diner and witnessed the attack. It was also captured on surveillance video.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Gabriel Enrique Turcios, of Sevierville, fled on foot and was found by officers a short distance away. He was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault. Turcios told police he had been thinking about killing Burford for days.

Burford reportedly told family and her employer that Turcios had been stalking her.

Click here to donate to Funeral Expenses for Savannah Burford.

Feature Photo: GoFundMe.com