TAMPA, Fla. – A Hillsborough County jury today found 47-year-old Ronny Walker guilty of first-degree murder in the tragic shooting death of a 14-year-old girl.
The verdict marks a critical step in a case that has shocked the community, as the trial now moves into its penalty phase, where the same jury will decide if Walker faces life in prison or the death penalty.
Assistant State Attorneys John Terry and Chinwe Fossett presented compelling evidence throughout the trial, painting a grim picture of the events leading to the young victim’s death.
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Prosecutors showed that Walker drove the victim to a secluded dead-end street in Tampa Heights, where he reportedly turned off his headlights before committing the heinous act.
A crucial piece of evidence—the victim’s cell phone—was left in Walker’s car, allowing investigators to meticulously track his movements during and after the murder. Further forensic testimony revealed the victim’s blood mixed with Walker’s DNA inside his vehicle.
The jury also heard chilling testimony from Robert Quincey Creed, who was present in the vehicle during the murder. Creed, who has since pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact, stated he initially concealed information from the police due to fear that Walker would also kill him.
“The victim in this case should be getting ready to graduate high school. Instead, her life was stolen because of the senseless and heinous acts of Ronny Walker,” stated State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “Thanks to the dedicated work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we were able to deliver justice to her mother. We hope this verdict brings a measure of comfort to her family.”
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The penalty phase is now underway, with proceedings set to resume this Thursday, June 26. This is the first capital case in Hillsborough County to proceed under a new state law enacted in 2023, which allows for a death sentence recommendation with an 8-4 jury vote, a significant change from the previous requirement for a unanimous decision.
The jury will weigh aggravating and mitigating factors to determine Walker’s ultimate sentence.
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