A California judge has ruled that 71-year-old David Walker will stand trial on eight charges, including murder, in connection with the deaths of two teenage girls who were fatally struck while riding their bicycles in West Sacramento last year. According to KCRA, Layla Chrissa Clemons and Jaea Chatman, both 17, were killed on Aug. 2, 2025, after Walker’s vehicle allegedly hit them at the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Bevan Road.
Prosecutors allege Walker was driving under the influence of alcohol when the crash happened and fled the scene afterward. Court testimony revealed that Walker later told investigators he had consumed six to eight ounces of vodka that night, blacked out, and could not remember the incident. However, the prosecution argues his actions before and after the crash tell a different story.
According to True Crime News, Walker allegedly made a U-turn after the collision, stepped out of his vehicle, looked at the victims’ bodies, spoke with witnesses at the scene, and then drove away. Both girls’ bicycles were crushed in the impact, and their bodies were found on opposite sides of the road. West Sacramento police arrested Walker the following day, on Aug. 3, 2025.
It is painful to even think about what these two families lost
During a two-week preliminary hearing held in March, Walker’s defense argued there was no physical evidence proving he was intoxicated beyond his own statement to police. Attorneys pointed out that no field sobriety test or blood alcohol test was conducted because Walker had already left the scene before officers located him. The defense also argued Walker was experiencing manic symptoms linked to bipolar disorder that night.
Prosecutors rejected those claims, arguing the evidence showed Walker never attempted to brake or swerve before striking the teenagers. They also alleged he failed to leave the legally required 3 feet of space when passing bicyclists. Investigators further pointed to the absence of brake marks or tire skids, saying the physical evidence contradicted the defense’s argument that the collision was unavoidable…