On what would have been the 21st birthday of Anaiah Walker, a young victim of a fatal hit-and-run, her family gathered to remember her and to appeal for any information that could lead to a resolution in her unsolved case. Nearly five years have passed since Walker was tragically killed along Interstate 10 near Buckeye — a mystery that has yet to unveil the responsible party. As reported by ABC15, the grieving family spoke out in the hope of finally obtaining some form of justice.
The case, laden with anguish and unanswered questions, remains as starkly open as ever. In a poignant interview obtained by FOX10 Phoenix, Sherika Rhymes, Walker’s mother, implored for closure. "I've asked the most high to forgive you as well, and give you a conscience to come forward," she said, referring to the unknown suspect in her daughter's death. Walker's troubling history included her time as a ward of the State of Arizona, amidst struggles with the grim realities of child sex trafficking.
Leading up to her untimely death, Walker had fled from a group home dedicated to supporting victims of sex trafficking, sparking fear and worry regarding her whereabouts and well-being. The family's efforts to piece together Anaiah's final days and to comprehend the events that led up to the fatal incident have been met with silence. Despite efforts to disseminate her information through a national database for missing children, the teen's fate became yet another addition to the harrowing statistics of youth who slip through the cracks.
Buckeye Police shared details about the likely vehicle involved, citing evidence which suggests the suspect was driving a 2016-2018 Honda Civic LX or LE. Nevertheless, the plea for answers continues, as echoed in statements from Walker's sister, Nackiya Stewart, who told ABC15, "I feel her death could have been prevented." In the wake of tragedy, the Justice For Anaiah Walker Foundation has been established not only to cherish her memory but also to elevate public awareness about sex trafficking, runaways, and sexual violence.
With a $12,000 reward offered by Silent Witness for information leading to an arrest, the appeal to the public persists. Anaiah Walker's story, her family's sorrow, and the quest for the truth remain a clarion call. If you have any details regarding Walker's death, the Buckeye Police Department encourages you to reach out to their tip line at 623-349-6411 or contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
