"I took off running and ran outside and called my mom," Matthews said. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 16-year-old Emma Walker, a popular, bubbly Central High School cheerleader, I never meant to take Emma's life. Web1:07 William Riley Gaul will serve no extra prison time besides a mandatory life sentence for killing his ex-girlfriend, Central High School honor student and cheerleader Emma Walker. The text messages, however, became more menacing, Greene said. Lyle said friends told Walker that they didnt like the way Gaul treated her, but she just kind of brushed it off, Lyle said. Trial date set for man accused of killing Knoxville cheerleader, National Park Service says never push a slower friend down when escaping a bear, Late power surge lifts No. One killed and another detained Funeral services for slain Central High School cheerleader set for He came in very polite, very nice in the beginning. Jamar Siler, 15, was charged with one count of first-degree murder and was being held in a juvenile court facility, police spokesman Darrell DeBusk said. He didn't have a whole lot of passion or concern.. "I was very worried. He just looked confused. Gaul's grandfather, who had kept the gun in his car, had reported the 9mm handgun missing prior to Gaul being questioned. He denied showing it to McCarty and also denied asking Walton about removing fingerprints from a gun. When I first met him (Gaul), I thought he might've been a grieving boyfriend, Det. "He said he was asking for his roommate," Walton told "20/20." WebSheriffs officials said Walker was found dead of a gunshot wound inside her house Monday morning. The officer apparently said he would have rather it be him who was shot than someone else. cheerleader He and Walker went outside and sure enough, he said, they found "a body lying face down" in a ditch near the house. "Everybody started running out real fast saying, 'He got shot,"' he said. Emma, Im sorry for however I act, one message from Gaul said. She added that she also hopes people remember her by "being kind to others. Again I am sorry.". Stone raised numerous reasons why his client should be acquitted or given another trial including the jury not being sequestered for a case that drew national attention, a crime scene photograph of Watson, objection to coverage by Law and Crime and McGee's refusal to toss some of the grand jury's counts against Gaul. Above all, Emma was a beloved daughter, sister, family member, and friend. When news of her tragic death spread, Gaul was quick to memorialize his ex-girlfriend on Facebook. I don't remember a whole lot from that. Besides renting the machine, at an affordable price, we are also here to provide you with the Nescafe coffee premix. In one tweet, he wrote, "Rest easy now sweetheart. Emma Walker's Haunting Murder At The Hands Of Riley Gaul Maryville already has completed its season. Example video title will go here for this video. A jury found Riley Gaul guilty of Emma Walker's murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison. Janaria Muhammad, 15, Justin Taylor, 15, and Stanley Freeman Jr, 16, were students at the school when killed in shootings that occurred away various locations away from the campus in recent months. The funeral service will follow at 3 at Hill Cemetery. Purple armbands honor murdered Central High cheerleader at state football playoff game Authorities apparently decided Gaul was a prime suspect early in the probe. Early that fall, Walkers moves on the sidelines caught the eye of an older student, Number 8 Central Highs wide receiver and then-junior Riley Gaul. %link% One man was killed and a police officer injured at a Tennessee high school shooting on Monday afternoon. Friends described him as a jokester, not the classic jock type. She told him she had been receiving strange text messages from a number she didnt recognize. 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Police said in the tweet that the situation was still active, contradicting earlier information claiming that she situation was no longer active. Then detectives asked to see his cellphone and Gaul asked them if he was a suspect. Most importantly, they help you churn out several cups of tea, or coffee, just with a few clicks of the button. One message in particular alarmed Walkers mother. school / CBS/AP. Twitter; Tennessee Department of Corrections, For more on this case and others like it, watch. Parents of Emma Walker, the teen killed by her ex-boyfriend, and Katie Hood, One Love Foundation CEO, describe what to do if someone is in an unhealthy relationship. "Consistent with her reaching out to Riley regarding the events Saturday morning he was attempting to get her to ask him for help again, sort of to be her protector. The Friday before Thanksgiving as Emma was at a party with friends, she got a disturbing text message telling her that Gaul had been kidnapped. Funeral services for slain Central High School cheerleader set for Saturday, National Park Service says never push a slower friend down when escaping a bear, Late power surge lifts No. Gaul was a freshman wide receiver and student at Maryville College, while Walker was a cheerleader and honors student at Central High School in Knoxville. Gaul's attorney, Wesley Stone, filed the motion to acquit the young man or give him a new trial three years ago. She was a 16-year In court, Gaul tried to claim that had never intended to kill Emma when he fired those fatal shots and thought the gunfire would only scare her, but a jury didnt buy his account and he was convicted of first-degree murder. Central High School Its like a nightmare, Jill told Dateline: Secrets Uncovered,airing Thursdays at 8/7c on Oxygen. It's not OK," she said. Emma Walkers Friends Say She Was Stalked, Why Investigators Realized Emma Walkers Death Was Murder. Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee retired in late 2019 and then COVID-19 hit. He was a little nerdy on the side, said Zach Greene, one of Walker's friends. In addition to the gun, police recovered what they believe to be a treasure trove of evidence, including gloves and black clothing, which authorities say point to Gaul also being the man dressed in black who was mysteriously at Walkers door the Saturday morning before she was killed. If you don't comply I will hurt them.". The suspect that was led away in handcuffs is reportedly being detained for questioning regarding the incident. Police in Knoxville issued a tweet saying they have established a reunification site at a baseball field behind Austin-East Magnet High School in the wake of a shooting that left multiple people, including a police officer, injured. WebThe body of the high school junior was discovered about 6:30 a.m. Monday at 6802 Cardindale Drive in North Knox County. By fall 2016, Emma Walker and Gaul were still dating. "Everybody kept giving us the name Riley Gaul because of their relationship, because they had seen the way that Riley had treated her, the way he'd talk to her," Merritt said. Knoxville school shooting I could see her like yelling at him, like Whats going on? and she was really angry, her friend Kegan later told Canning. Office hours are Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00am to 5:00pm. "I said to Emma, don't you find it odd that Riley was involved, or appeared at both events. Emma was a beauty inside and out. Where is William Riley Gaul Now? - The Cinemaholic Create your free profile and get access to exclusive content. So they were wrapping tape around our house, and walking around outside, but we still had no idea what had happened to her.". In the state of Tennessee, a first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence. Video unavailable Watch on "There was a hole in the wall. The arrangement didnt sit well with Emmas parents, but Emma could be stubborn. Jurors saw video of police interrogating William Riley Gaul, who is accused of killing Emma Walker, a high school cheerleader, in her sleep. At this point, detectives said they knew from McCarty that Gaul had shown his friend his grandfather's gun. It can be a small gesture, such as bringing someone their very treat when they arrive home or simply giving a loved one a hug. Local Knoxville broadcaster WBIR 10 reported that the police officer wounded in the Austin-East High School mass shooting suffered non-life-threatening injuries. A source speaking with another local news outlet, Knox News, said the officer who was shot was a school resource officer. When it comes to school spirit, few can bring it more than Southeast High School junior Jaziah Rowe, and she has to. Afterward, Gaul told detectives, he went over to his grandparents' house briefly and then drove back to his college. The family will receive friends from noon until 3 pm. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. She did her own thing., According to Walkers friends, Gaul became aggressive, sending her Snapchat messages that said, I hate you I hate everything about you and youre the biggest bitch Ive ever come in contact with.. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? He just wanted her to think that he was all she had, Jill said of the toxic relationship. His attorney said he plans to appeal the ruling. Walkers parents decided to ban Gaul from their home and they took away their daughters cellphone to try to stop the teens from communicating, but it didnt work. Emma Walker's Mom Speaks About Daughter's Knoxville Murder Authorities portrayed him as a jealous and possessive ex-boyfriend who harassed Walker. Walked into the bedroom photographed the bedroom," Bules said. He knows he's not allowed here, Jill Walker said. Im coming Im speeding just give me a minute, Gaul texted her back. "I told him, 'Obviously not and not to ever ask me anything like that again.' When Knox County Sheriff's Lt. Allen Merritt arrived on the scene, he said he started looking at the outside of the house and noticed a bullet hole in the wall that was "about shoulder high.". The 16-year-old was shot in I just told her, um, how much I loved her, and, uh, that I was sorry she didnt want what we had anymore, he said in an interrogation tape. Just hours after calling law enforcement authorities, the 18-year-olds were ready to carry out the plan. They said they dropped Riley outside.'". The judge denied his request citing a lack of evidence. "This wasn't a shooting that was a random act," Roehl said. The Knox County Sheriff's Office reports that on Monday, Nov. 21, at 6:29 a.m., Gaul fired a gun into Walker's bedroom while she was asleep, hitting and killing her. "And (Sunday night) I used one of my friends' phones on campus to call her. Her 21st birthday would have been this week, Mardi Growl to close several roads in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, What you need to know about paying to park in the Great Smoky Mountains, Severe storms move through East Tennessee, "It can happen to anybody" | Mother raises awareness about teen dating violence and abuse, Mom raises awareness about verbal abuse, domestic violence, HOPE for Victims holds vigil calling for friendship, hope and support for victims of domestic violence. Similarly, if you seek to install the Tea Coffee Machines, you will not only get quality tested equipment, at a rate which you can afford, but you will also get a chosen assortment of coffee powders and tea bags. Were extremely proud of all the investigators and all the work but were almost more proud of Noah and Alex in this, Knox County Sheriffs Office Major Mike MacLean said, calling the teens the heroes of the investigation. Knoxville School Superintendent Bob Thomas said students who were not involved in the shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School have been released to their families. https://usatodayhss.com/2016/college-football-player-charged-with-murder-in-death-of-high-school-cheerleader, College football player charged with murder in death of high school cheerleader. "But she said if I would help her write her paper, she would talk to me," Gaul told detectives. Im home alone and somebody in all black walked down my street and came to my door and rang the doorbell over and over again, Walker texted, adding I thought I was going to die., She also texted Gaul, saying, I hate you but I need you right now.". Police said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation would lead the probe into the shooting, while the He reassured me over and over again that he was the farthest thing from suicidal. The Associated Press contributed to this report. First published on November 23, 2016 / 3:49 PM. With justice served for Emma Walker's death, Jill Walker hopes what happened to her daughter can also serve as a warning to others who may be in tumultuous relationships. WebMarch 20, 2000 - November 21, 2016Emma Jane Walker, age 16, of Knoxville, went to be with Lord November 21, 2016. She was a junior at Central High School, a member of the ), Student killed in shooting at Knoxville school, Judge sets bond for 76-year-old woman accused of killing terminally ill husband. Under the glow from the streetlight, he said, they could see that it was Gaul. Emma's 21st birthday would have been this week and to honor her, her family is asking everyone to do something kind for someone else. WebEmma Walker, 16, was sleeping at home in her bed in North Knox County, Tennessee, in November 2016, when two shots were fired into her bedroom, one of which hit her in the There was blood everywhere. Youre dead to me Ill check the obituary ---- you, Gaul wrote. KCSO: Central High School cheerleader shot twice through You can have multiple cup of coffee with the help of these machines.We offer high-quality products at the rate which you can afford. She had chosen to move on, Weldon told the paper. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies. [On] Sunday, we followed her to work, followed her back home to watch and make sure she was safe.. Should you be?, the detective responded. WebKnoxville is also the site of Tennessees last fatal shooting of a student inside of a school. Emma was bright and fun and soon attracted the attention of stand-out wide receiver Riley Gaul. All Right Reserved. I love you more than words can describe, said another. I want to hurt myself.' But Gaul didn't seem to take the breakup well. A memorial fund has been set up for Emma. Maryvilles football roster indicates Gaul graduated from Central High. I opened up her door to her bedroom and I stared at her for probably 15, 20 seconds and she was just lying asleep in her bed and I shut the door and went to my sons bedroom and he was in the bed asleep so I thought, Im hearing things., Friends who knew Emma who spent her days volunteering at an animal shelter and dreaming of one day becoming a neonatal nurse described her as down to earth, sweet, and the cheerleader on her high school squad who put the sparkle into what she would do.. WebEmma Walker, a beautiful and vibrant cheerleader, had been killed by a gunshot wound to the head after two bullets had been fired into her bedroom from outside the family's single Emma Walker: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her? - The Cinemaholic The school has a recent history of gun violence among its current and former students. School In 2008 at Central High School, 15-year-old Ryan McDonald was killed by another 15-year He was a high school football player, she was a cheerleader in Knoxville, Tenn. At Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, a Friday night in autumn means a football stadium bathed in lights and two teams battling it out on the gridiron in front of a sea of red and black -- everyone decked out in support of the home team, the Bobcats. When Gaul killed Walker, he forever disrupted their lives, they say in victim impact statements. The cafeteria was a popular place to gather before classes started at 8:30 a.m., students said. Gaul told detectives he had been trying to speak with Walker that weekend, but she wouldn't engage with him. TV networks and People magazine were among the news outlets nationally that reported and covered the case. Riley Gaul continued to repeatedly contact Emma Walker after their breakup. He had like promised his ex-girlfriend he would still take her to prom that year and take Emma his senior year, Emmas friend Kelsey recalled to Dateline reporter Andrea Canning. Mardi Growl to close several roads in downtown Knoxville on Saturday, What you need to know about paying to park in the Great Smoky Mountains, Severe storms move through East Tennessee, Wednesday marks Emma Walker Day, honoring teen killed by ex-boyfriend in 2016, Judge who presided over Eric Boyd, A.J. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. The shooting happened shortly after 8 a.m. at the Central High School cafeteria, Chief Deputy Bill Roehl said, and the suspected shooter was taken into custody minutes later on a nearby street. on demand Dec 09, 2022 2:00 PM PST. "So obviously it had turned into a crime scene at that point. Friends and family of Emma Walker are invited to Central Baptist Church of Fountain City. She did become like her old self again, her father Mark Walker said. "(On Fridays) everybody's excited at school to see how well we do. Chad Griffin, 15, and Josh Matthews, 14, said that they were sitting about 10 feet away from the victim and talking when they heard a sharp noise. Siler will be represented by the public defender's office. WebWilliam Riley Gaul was a college football player when he murdered his 16-year-old cheerleader ex-girlfriend, Emma Jane Walker, while she was asleep in her bed at her home Students began to gather around the victim, said freshman Jared Wohlford, 14. We, on one occasion, saw one [that said] Ill see your name in the obituary, Jill Walker said. November 23, 2016 / 3:49 PM And then he fell and his arm hit me," Griffin said. Emma Walker was a student and cheerleader at Central High School. on demand Nov 17, 2022 3:00 PM PST. ", "Our phone call didn't go very well," he said. The Central High Colors: Red, Black Google Map Championship History. Jenny Weldon, Walkers aunt,told the Knoxville News Sentinelthe girl had ended a romantic relationship with Gaul in recent weeks, but he refused to accept the breakup. They'd had a tumultuous relationship while dating, court records show. "Those two young men contacted us and asked if they could help us get what they believed to be the murder weapon back," Merritt told "20/20." And he said, 'I know. I found this story on USA TODAY High School Sports and wanted to share it with you: Knoxville Central High School Her family describes her as a positive person who always saw the best in people. Emma Walker was shot by Riley Gaul, her ex-boyfriend, as she slept in her North They also uncovered spent shell casings and a live round in the grass outside her home. Emma texted with her friend Keegan Lyle about a homework assignment, then went to bed a little after midnight. Johnson trials to retire at year's end. Rest easy now sweetheart, he wrote in one message. When she didn't rouse the next morning, Emmas mother, Jill Walker, went to check on her and discovered she was dead. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David B. Rausch said at a news conference Monday that police responded to a report of a possible gunman at Austin-East Magnet High School in Knoxville. Knoxville high school after police Classes were dismissed and students were bused to a nearby church so they could be picked up by their parents. Watch Later. "He ended up telling me that he was so fearful for his life that he had stolen his grandfather's gun and he showed it to me," McCarty relayed to 20/20. Knoxville, TN. But Gaul continued to deny having anything to do with Walker's death. Knoxville Police on the scene of a shooting at Austin-East Magnet High School, Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, One killed and another detained in Knoxville school shooting, One killed and another detained for questioning in school shooting that wounded police officer, Four Austin-East students killed by gun violence in past four months, Knoxville mayor says officer wounded with non-life threatening was in good spirits, Video shows handcuffed individual being led away from Knoxville high school, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off & extra perks with Booking.com Genius Membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 10% off selected orders over 100 - eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK March 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this March, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. One man was pronounced dead at the scene while another was detained for questioning, the statement said. We understand the need of every single client. All Rights Reserved. While in his college dorm room, he swallowed a bunch of Vicodin pills and washed them down with alcohol in an attempt to commit suicide. Check out never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more! Gauls close friends, Alex and Noah, reached out the sheriffs office after Gaul had confided in them that he needed to dispose of his grandfathers gun and needed their help to toss the gun into the Tennessee River. Investigators say William Riley Gaul killed the Central High School cheerleader . Coffee premix powders make it easier to prepare hot, brewing, and enriching cups of coffee. We also offer the Coffee Machine Free Service. Jill, however, wasn't convinced. KNOXVILLE, Tenn. A grieving family is asking everyone to take a moment on Wednesday to honor a teen killed in 2016. When Gaul started college, Emma discovered he had been photographed with other girls and ended the relationship for good just before Thanksgiving. Web A grieving family is asking everyone to take a moment on Wednesday to honor a teen killed in 2016. Welcome to The Independents rolling coverage of a mass shooting at a high school in Knoxville, Tennessee. Oxygen Insider is your all-access pass to never-before-seen content, free digital evidence kits, and much more. Because he had a way of isolating her and making her think that he was the only one.. But I was just like, Oh he's shy it just seemed normal. You will find that we have the finest range of products. He told investigators he spent the rest of the night in the parking lot of his college dorm, 25 miles away, crying over the breakup. accused of killing Knoxville cheerleader