Recent advancements have occurred in a Lafayette Parish case.
During a sentencing session at the 15th Judicial District Courthouse presided over by Judge Michele Billeaud, , 37, received a life sentence with hard labor. The sentencing proceedings commenced at approximately 12:25 p.m. and concluded after about 20 minutes. Marcelle B. Hoskins, the victim’s mother, had been patiently waiting since 9 a.m. to hear the judge’s decision, amidst dealing with numerous other cases.
Expressing her sentiments, Hoskins stated, “I’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions from last week until now. I am relieved that this chapter has come to a close. The journey has been arduous, and I extend my gratitude to all involved in this case,” she remarked. Reflecting on the challenging process, she added, “The uncertainty from the moment of his passing that evening, just before dusk, up to now has been particularly trying. My perspective as a mother was not fully understood during this period.”
Hoskins expressed her appreciation to those who provided her with the opportunity to testify about the impact on her son.
During her testimony, Hoskins shared that Walker was a student at SLCC with aspirations of becoming a chef. He left behind three children, who were his source of pride and joy. Recalling the moment she learned of his demise, she emotionally recounted, “I fell to my knees and pleaded with God, ‘No, God, no, please, no.’ The prayers continued, beseeching God, ‘Not now, please.’”
Hoskins revealed that her daughter had to identify her brother’s body, an experience that deeply affected her to the extent that she left the state. Additionally, she mentioned in her testimony that both she and her daughter attempted to clean the bloodstains left by Walker’s tragic end; the amount of blood was overwhelming. The rocks stained with blood were collected, sealed in a Ziploc bag, double-bagged, and transported back home. Even to this day, Hoskins has been unable to part with these rocks, as she is not emotionally prepared to let go.
“It’s devoid of any scent,” Hoskins shared. “Surprisingly, it carries the fragrance of his cologne. It may sound peculiar, but it does, and I haven’t found the strength to bury it yet. It’s an incredibly challenging situation because of the location of his demise. Erecting a memorial there is difficult for me as he lost his life in someone else’s yard.”
In her interview with News 10, Hoskins mentioned that she wore the same attire she donned at her son’s funeral. Authorities reported that Adams fatally shot Walker in the face following an altercation between the two.
“Why did he commit the act? We may never comprehend. What we do know is that he had three chances to disengage, yet he chose otherwise. My son was defenseless, clad in a t-shirt, a tank top underneath, shorts, and flip-flops,” Hoskins emphasized.
She continued, “The repercussions on the children, particularly his son who was present at the time, have been profoundly traumatizing. My grandson weeps daily. He is grappling with academic challenges. His entire world revolved around his father. Although he is undergoing therapy, I am troubled by the distressing images he witnessed on the day of his father’s demise.”
Describing her grandson’s artwork during therapy, Hoskins remarked, “The drawing depicting a man with a gun and another individual lying in a pool of blood speaks volumes. It’s a truly heart-wrenching situation.”
Despite Walker’s absence, Hoskins cherishes the positive impact her son had in the community. He was actively engaged in downtown activities, providing meals to the homeless and ensuring their needs were met.
“He was unafraid to give,” Hoskins affirmed. “He extended his generosity to the residents of his neighborhood, irrespective of their circumstances or background.”
Expressing her gratitude for her resilience, she added, “I am thankful for the strength bestowed upon me, for God’s guidance, grace, and mercy. My faith as a Christian woman, nurtured in a Christian household and church, has been my anchor in this tumultuous journey.”
In a message directed at individuals involved in gun-related incidents, she urged, “I implore these individuals, especially the youth, to contemplate their actions meticulously. The repercussions on family members, children, and loved ones should be weighed before pulling the trigger. Consider also the burden placed on your own family members, who endure the trials of court proceedings.”
Concluding her statement, she affirmed, “I am committed to combating gun violence to the best of my ability. I aim to support and console any parent who has experienced a similar tragedy, assuring them that the process is undeniably devastating, extending beyond the funeral and burial of their child.”
Hoskins expressed her desire for her son’s legacy to endure prominently within the community. She plans to establish a non-profit organization, Walker’s Second Chance, dedicated to realizing her son’s vision of aiding the homeless.