COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — A Columbus man who fatally shot his 4-year-old son and wounded his wife during a 2023 domestic dispute has pleaded guilty in Muscogee County Superior Court.
37-year-old Jacquese Walker admitted to malice murder and multiple related charges connected to the September 18, 2023, shooting at the couple’s Liberty Commons apartment.
Walker’s wife, Marshama Bolden, who survived the attack, faced her husband in court for the first time since that tragic day.
“It’s not fair. He was only 4 years old. … You took my child from me,” Bolden said tearfully during the hearing.
Prosecutors said the violence erupted when Bolden told Walker their 16-year relationship was over. In a fit of rage, Walker shot his wife and their young son before fleeing the scene. His arrest followed a citywide manhunt, which ended in the Lakebottom area more than a day later.
Judge John Martin sentenced Walker to life in prison with the possibility of parole. He will receive credit for two years already served and could be eligible for parole after 30 years.
During the emotional court session, Walker spoke for over 12 minutes, expressing remorse and confusion about his actions.
“I never wanted to kill anybody,” Walker said. “I didn’t even want to kill her. I just grabbed it and started shooting. … I didn’t want to lose my family.”
Before being escorted out of the courtroom, Walker offered an apology:
“I am so sorry. I feel horrible. I am guilty. I didn’t mean to do it.”
Bolden and her family left the courtroom before sentencing concluded and declined to comment afterward.
