A Yolo County judge has approved murder charges against a 71-year-old California man accused of striking down two teenage girls as they rode their bicycles, leaving the scene, then returning to look at one of his victims before fleeing again, prosecutors said.
David Walker appeared in court Monday as a judge approved eight criminal counts, including murder, connected to the deaths of Jaea Chatman and Layla Clemons, both 17, who were killed on Aug. 2, 2025, near Jefferson Boulevard and Bevan Road around 9 p.m., according to prosecutors.
Background
The teens were riding their bicycles when Walker allegedly struck them with his vehicle, sending the girls flying to opposite sides of the road. Their bikes were crushed in the impact, authorities said. Prosecutors allege Walker then fled the scene but later made a U-turn and returned to check on one of the victims' bodies before taking off again.
Walker allegedly admitted to consuming an estimated 6 to 8 ounces of vodka before getting behind the wheel that evening, according to prosecutors. His departure from the crash site prevented authorities from obtaining an immediate blood alcohol reading at the scene, KCRA reported.
Jaea's mother, Satori Todd, told KCRA in August 2025 that learning Walker had returned to view her daughter's body was disturbing but also brought some closure.
"But it also kind of brought me a sense of peace because I feel like she was gone," Todd said. "That helped me know that she maybe didn't suffer."
The Charges
Walker faces eight criminal counts, including two counts of murder, in connection with the deaths of Chatman and Clemons. The Yolo County District Attorney's Office pursued the charges after reviewing evidence from the California Highway Patrol investigation.
Prosecutors say Walker spoke to at least two people at the scene before fleeing a second time. His attorney has not yet entered a plea on his behalf, and no court date for arraignment was immediately available.
Jaea's father, Jerry Chatman, told KXTV there would be "no forgiveness" for Walker's alleged actions.
"I'm not gonna find it in my heart," he said. "I'm not even looking for it."
Key Takeaways
- David Walker, 71, was charged with eight counts including murder in Yolo County Superior Court
- Victims Jaea Chatman and Layla Clemons, both 17, were killed while riding bicycles near Jefferson Boulevard on Aug. 2, 2025
- Prosecutors allege Walker fled the scene after hitting the teens, returned to view one victim's body, then fled again
- Walker allegedly admitted to drinking 6 to 8 ounces of vodka before the crash
- No blood alcohol test was obtained at the scene because Walker had already left
What's Next
Walker remains in custody pending further court proceedings. An arraignment date has not yet been set, and prosecutors indicated they will continue building their case for trial. Jerry Chatman said he hopes to see justice served.
"I just hope that we continue to see justice," he told KXTV. "We get what we can get, and we're not gonna throw a fit. Just as long as he has to stand and answer for his crimes."