The Murder of Emma Walker
Emma Walker was a high school student. She was a cheerleader at her school and honours student. Emma loved animals and hoped to become a neonatal nurse, her mum described her daughter as kind, big-hearted and independent, saying that Emma 'marched to her own drum.'
Emma was in a long term relationship with 18-year old William 'Riley' Gaul, the couple had been together for almost two years but Emma's family and friends did not approve of the relationship. Emma began to get doubts about the future of the relationship, she felt her and Riley were in different places in their lives and that it was time to move on and break up. Riley refused to accept the relationship was over and continuously harassed Emma despite her wishes to be left alone. Riley even threatened to commit suicide if Emma did not continue their relationship.
On 21st November 2016, Emma was found dead in her bed. She had been shot as she slept by someone outside of the home through the wall. Police were quickly informed that Emma had been struggling with an obsessive ex and immediately felt suspicious of Riley. Police also found that Riley's grandfather had reported one of his shotguns went missing the day before. They began to build their case.
In the aftermath of Emma's death, Riley posted multiple tweets in tribute to Emma. His Twitter bio read 'Living everyday through Emma Walker. I love you beautiful and I know you're in a better place now.'
The evening after Emma's death, Riley was arrested for Emma's murder. He was later indicted on charges of first-degree murder, stalking, theft, tampering with evidence, reckless endangerment and employed a firearm.
Riley pleaded not guilty and tried to claim he did not intend to kill Emma. Riley's defence claimed Riley meant to fire a shot into Emma's bedroom and scare her so that he could show up at her house as a 'hero.' His story was not believed and he was found guilty of intentionally killing Emma. Riley was sentenced to life in prison.
