In a Woodland courtroom filled with grief and resolve, 71-year-old David Alison Walker faced the families of two 17-year-old girls he's accused of killing in a hit-and-run in West Sacramento. After causing the fatal crash, Walker admitted to drinking "6 to 8 ounces of vodka" before getting behind the wheel, as reported by KCRA 3. The Yolo County prosecutor detailed how Walker hit the teens, who were cycling on Jefferson Boulevard and Bevan Road, and later saw one of the victims' bodies after briefly returning to the scene.
Amidst the courtroom's heavy air, Walker received seven felony counts and one misdemeanor. These charges include, but are not limited to, murder, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated with enhancements for fleeing the scene, and hit-and-run causing death. Walker pleaded not guilty to these allegations, surprising the victims' families, as they learned during the hearing. Forgoing any chance of bail, Walker was deemed a flight risk and a "danger to society," according to KCRA 3. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 20.
The courtroom attendees, many of whom donned T-shirts emblazoned with the young girls' images, listened as the charges were recounted. Family members of Layla Chrissa Clemons and Jaea Chatman were permitted to address the court and the defendant. "I got so many words for you, bro. I'm telling you right now we are not going to stop," Jaea Chatman's father, Jerry Chatman, told Walker, ABC10 reported. The confrontation between bereaved family members and the accused underscored the irrevocable loss they suffered—two promising young lives snatched before reaching significant milestones like attending college and celebrating their 18th birthdays.
The case has drawn significant public attention and media coverage, as reflected by a full courtroom during the hearing. Lisa Eberhardt, the godmother of victim Layla Clemons, responded to the denial of bail by expressing concern for public safety. “I just don’t want him to hurt anyone else,” she said. “I don’t want any other families to go through this.” She added, “It’s sort of hollow because we’ll never have our girls back. That can’t be undone,” according to KCRA 3. Family members of the victims have indicated they will seek the maximum sentence in the case.
