Prosecutors announced that they would not seek the death penalty against one of the men who assisted in the murder of Pop Smoke.
“Our office is not going to be seeking death on this case, but we are going to be asking for a lot,” Deputy D.A. Hilary Williams said during Tuesday’s hearing.
Corey Walker is standing trial for the brazen home invasion that claimed the life of the “Dior” rapper. He is the only one who was charged among a group of teens who stormed Pop’s Los Angeles home that fateful night. Walker was made eligible for the death penalty after being charged with murder with the special circumstance allegation that the slaying took place during the commission of a robbery and a burglary. The other three defendants are being tried in juvenile court. The alleged shooter was just 15-years-old when he pulled the trigger alongside his two other defendants, who were 16-years-old and 17-years-old at the time. Walker was 19-years-old when the murder took place.
The now 20-year-old appeared in court for arraignment but could not enter a new plea due to a system glitch. He was initially ordered to return the following day. However, his defense lawyer Christopher Darden revealed to the Daily News that the hearing was postponed until next month. He also told The News that he was happy about the D.A.’s decision to take the death penalty off of the table.
“I am glad to hear the DA say this formally on the record. Corey Walker does not have an adult criminal history. He was 19 years old, not armed with a firearm, and he did not shoot anyone. I don’t think the death penalty would be a fair or suitable punishment in this case,” Darden explained.
