Videos: Kimwandae’s Mother Appeals For Peace

[Updated] In a heartfelt plea this afternoon [Nov 30] the mother of Kimwandae Walker, who was murdered on Good Friday of this year, spoke with the media, calling for the community to come together.

Michelley Walker appealed for peace and asked people to speak up for the families and the children of those of have been left fatherless. She called for the community to end gun violence, and said she prays for God to look over everyone.

Kimwandae Walker’s [pictured] murder was one that truly shocked the community, as the father of two was gunned down in broad daylight in front of numerous people, including his own children – 9 yr old Kwinjae and 4 yr old Kimjaela.

Making reference to the ‘holy day’, Mr Walker’s mother said he was “frolicking with his children, teaching them to fly kites and generally enjoying his time with them. The next moment he was running for his life while he was being chased by persons with a gun determined to end his life, and this they did – while his children watched in horror.”

Ms Walker said her grandchildren will forever “have the memory of seeing him shot down like an animal in their hearts and their minds. To see the pain on their faces breaks whats left of my heart.”

The Police confirmed that around 2pm during the Good Friday festivities [April 2] at Victor Scott field, two men on a bike rode onto the field, jumped off and opened fire killing 35 year old Kimwandae Walker.

On April 4th, the Police announced the arrest of two men in relation to the shooting of Mr Walker, however charges have not been laid.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro again appealed for anyone who was on the field that fateful Good Friday to come forward and assist the Police. The Detective stressed they would be very interested in seeing photos from that day, or receiving any information whatsoever.

Anyone with any information about the murder of Mr Walker, or any other incidents, is greatly encouraged to contact Police on 295-0011 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477.

Update 4:17pm: Full statements

Detective Sergeant Arthur Glasford & Detective Chief Inspector Nicholas Pedro:

All of us remember the vicious murder that occurred shortly after 2pm on Good Friday (2nd April 2010) when two men on a motorcycle rode onto Victor Scott School Field and targeted 35 year old Kimwandae Walker of Pembroke Parish, shooting him multiple times while he was in attendance at a Good Friday fun day. Good Friday was a clear sunny day and there was nothing obvious in place to obstruct the views of the 30 to 50 persons present. Mr. Walker was in attendance at the event with his nine year old son and four year old daughter who tragically watched as their father was murdered.

The other members of his immediate and extended family have also had to come to terms with the brutal death that occurred in front of many people on what was a religiously symbolic day, and an event where many families had come together to celebrate this long standing tradition. Here today is Michelley Walker – the mother of Mr. Walker, who was shot and killed on Good Friday. Mrs. Walker is here to speak to you about her son.

Michelley Walker, Kimwandae Walker’s mother, full statement:

“On Good Friday, 2010 my whole world went dark. While I was at home preparing fish cakes for my son to collect, he was at Victor Scott School Field; a public place, a place where families have for generations gathered to celebrate this most holy day.

One moment he was frolicking with his children, teaching them to fly kites and generally enjoying his time with them. The next moment he was running for his life as he was being chased by persons with a gun determined to end his life – and this they did, while his children ages 9 & 4, watched in horror.

I have searched my mind and my heart and I cannot think of anything – not anything – that anyone could do to deserve this. I carried him, I nurtured him, I laughed with him, cried with him – I gave him life – and in one hateful moment they took it all away.

Words cannot describe the devastation and pain that a mother feels when her child leaves this world before her. It is nothing that you can do to prepare for such a thing. It goes against the natural order of things. You are left with a void so large and so deep that nothing can fill it. His children will never see their father again. They will forever have the memory of seeing him shot down like an animal in their hearts and their minds. To see the pain on their faces breaks what’s left of my heart. I can’t see what killing my son has accomplished besides bringing pain to everyone who knew and loved him. And I can honestly tell you that it is only by the grace of God that I am standing here today.

My question is, “Where does this end?” How long before we say, “Enough – this has got to stop!” As a community we have to come together – we have to talk – we have to be our brother’s keeper.

In Bermuda this so called “not snitching” has taken on a life of its own. It has infiltrated our lives and has become the norm. There is someone, somewhere who knows who killed my son. Please, speak up. You don’t have to identify yourself – in these times that we are living in we don’t expect you to. Speak up for all the mothers who have lost their sons to gun violence. Speak up for all the children who are left without fathers. Speak up for all the sisters and brothers and aunties and uncles who have lost someone dear to them. Speak up for all the families who are still reeling from this devastation. If this can happen to me, then surely you must know that it could just as easily happen to you. Let’s take a step today to end the gun violence, right here and right now. Speak up – just because it’s the right thing to do.

As I leave you, and as we go about our lives from day to day, I pray that God protects us and guides us as we try to heal as a community and as a people. May God bless you all.”

Update on the Investigation from the Police

Since the incident occurred, three men have been arrested and bailed in relation to this matter while forensic and other evidence was collated. The Police said that “Good progress has been made in some areas. This has been a meticulous and painstaking investigation from the very start which has addressed forensic, and other technical areas that require specialized analysis.”

Police have determined that the offenders:-

* Were riding a light coloured 125 scooter
* One of the shooters had a green scarf over his face
* Mr. Walker was shot a total of 7 times in his head and body
* One of the shooters possibly had scarring

Police are appealing for anyone with any information about the murder of Mr. Kimwandae Walker, especially anyone who may have video and or photos from Victor Scott field that day, to contact the Serious Crime Unit on 295-0011 or the independent confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline on 800-8477. Help bring Mr. Walker’s killers to justice.

[Updated with videos at 2:30pm]

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