Trial set for man accused of shooting 15-year-old boy in neck

Walker’s trial is scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 6, though both the prosecution and defense told the court they are working on achieving some sort of “resolution,” likely in the form of a plea deal, before the case could go to trial.

“We believe we can continue to work toward (a resolution),” said Erika Julien, one of Walker’s court-appointed attorneys.

Walker is accused of shooting a 15-year-old boy in the neck near the intersection of Armstrong Drive and Armstrong Court in Ypsilanti on March 11.

He now faces one charge each of assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm and assault with a dangerous weapon. He also faces a felony firearms charge and is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to court records.

Walker remains in the Washtenaw County Jail despite efforts to get his $200,000 bond reduced. The bond is so high it “could be any number,” according to his attorneys.

“It has the same effect of holding him without bond,” Julien said.

Walker’s attorneys argued that a count of resisting a police officer could have been a lesser charge of fleeing and eluding. The charge is related to a different case involving Walker being stopped by police while riding a moped.

“There was no physical altercation involved,” Julien said.

Walker also helps take care of his 2-year-old son and great-grandparents, something he is unable to do while in jail awaiting trial, Julien told the judge.

Washtenaw County Assistant Prosecutor Paul Barnett said the charges were “egregious allegations.”

“$200,000, in a case of this magnitude, is reasonable,” he said. “The charges don’t get as serious as this.”

The judge denied Walker’s request. If convicted, Walker faces a maximum of life in prison on the charge of assault with intent to murder.