In the quiet neighborhood of McDonald Chapel, Alabama, a domestic dispute escalated into a tragedy that claimed the life of 45-year-old Habibba Knight Walker. On the morning of April 16, 2018, events unfolded that would leave a family shattered and a community in mourning. Walker, a female, passed away on April 21, 2018, after succumbing to injuries sustained in the violent encounter.
The incident began to unfold just before 8:00 a.m. at a residence on Trenton Street.
Walker's ex-husband, Dereck Jamaille Walker, who was 46 years old at the time, forcibly entered the home she shared with her children. An argument ensued between the former couple, culminating in Dereck Walker drawing a gun and shooting his ex-wife. The children, who were present in the home at the time of the break-in, managed to escape to a neighbor's house unharmed. Following the shooting, Dereck Walker fled the scene in a silver Acura before sheriff's deputies could arrive.
Habibba Knight Walker was critically injured and transported to a local hospital where she was placed on life support. Despite medical efforts, she died five days later as a result of the gunshot wounds. Her death was mourned by her family and community, with a celebration of her life held on May 5, 2018.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement identified Dereck Jamaille Walker as the suspect. Detectives quickly secured arrest warrants, charging him with first-degree armed burglary and attempted murder. The search for him concluded the following afternoon when authorities in Escambia County, Florida, located him. After being stopped by law enforcement, he surrendered and confessed to the shooting. He also informed them of the location of the firearm used in the incident, which was found in the glovebox of his vehicle. He was taken into custody and held in the Escambia County Jail to await extradition back to Jefferson County to face the charges against him.
