Johnthony Walker, a former Tennessee school bus driver convicted of killing six children in a 2016 crash, is now facing new criminal charges after authorities allege he strangled his ex-girlfriend and tripped her 4-year-old daughter when the child attempted to run for help.
Background
Walker, 34, was driving a school bus for Hamilton County schools in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 21, 2016. The bus carried 37 students from Woodmore Elementary School when it swerved, fell onto its side, and crashed into a tree, nearly splitting the vehicle in half.
Six children between the ages of 6 and 10 died in the crash. More than a dozen others were injured. Investigators later determined Walker was traveling approximately 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit at the time of the collision.
He was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and sentenced to four years in prison, according to a 2020 press release from Davidson County District Attorney General Glenn Funk. However, while his conviction was being appealed, Walker admitted to having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old on five separate occasions.
Walker subsequently pleaded guilty to aggravated statutory rape and was ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release.
The Charges
According to arrest affidavits obtained by Nashville NBC affiliate WSMV, Walker showed up at his ex-girlfriend's apartment last Thursday. Authorities allege he broke into her residence, tackled her, and grabbed her phone as she attempted to call 911.
Metro Nashville Police Department officers responding to the scene found the woman with a fractured arm, along with bruises and scratches covering her body. According to charging documents, Walker allegedly punched, kicked, and strangled the victim during the attack.
When her young daughter tried to run for help, authorities say Walker deliberately tripped the 4-year-old, causing her to fall.
Walker has been booked into the Davidson County Downtown Detention Center in Nashville. He faces charges of aggravated assault by strangulation, aggravated burglary, child abuse without injury, interference with an emergency call, and failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Walker previously convicted for 2016 Hamilton County school bus crash that killed six children ages 6-10
- He was traveling more than 20 mph over the speed limit when the bus crashed carrying 37 students from Woodmore Elementary School
- While his criminal homicide conviction was on appeal, he admitted to sex with a minor and pleaded guilty to aggravated statutory rape
- New charges include aggravated assault by strangulation, aggravated burglary, child abuse without injury, and interference with an emergency call
- Police allege he broke into his ex-girlfriend's home, attacked her, and tripped her 4-year-old daughter when the child attempted to flee for help
What's Next
Walker remains in custody at the Davidson County Downtown Detention Center. His next court appearance on the new charges has not yet been scheduled. The status of his sex offender registration compliance case also remains under review by authorities.