December 8, 1985

On June 16, 1986, an Information was filed in the Orange County Superior Court, alleging that the defendant, Michael Angelo Walker, had on or about December 8, 1985, violated Section 187 of the Penal Code (Murder) in which the victim was identified as Mildred Helen Walker.

It was further alleged that in the commission of the offense, the defendant personally used a firearm (handqun) within the meaning of Penal Code Section 12022.5.

On December 8, 1987, the defendant was found quilty of Count I, Murder in the First Degree, by jury trial.

Additionally, the enhancement was found to be true. The matter was continued until this date for sentencing.

CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE OFFENSE

In that this matter has been heard by jury trial, the court is fully aware of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Walker's arrest and ultimate conviction.

In brief, records of the Garden Grove Police Department reveal that on December 8, 1985, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers were dispatched to the defendant's residence regarding a shooting which had just occurred.

Upon arrival, they found the victim Mildred "Bunny" Walker (the defendant's common-law wife of five years) laying on her back in the living room, having been shot in the chest and abdomen.

Tracy Brown (who had been residing at the defendant's residence with her husband and child) told officers that Michael Walker had kicked Bunny Walker out of the house and on the evening of the shooting, he had been sitting around watching television and oiling agun all evening.

Shortly after 9:00 p.m., Bunny Walker called on the telephone, at which time the defendant told her to come over with Rick (her alleqed new boyfriend) to talk things over. Several minutes later, Michael Walker told Tracy Brown and her husband to go into a bedroom because there might be an argument when she arrives.

Shortly thereafter, Bunny Walker entered the residence (alone) and after a two- or three-minute conversation, an argument ensued. Tracy Brown next heard Bunny Walker yelling at the defendant and then heard three shots being fired.

Momentarily, Tracy Brown opened the bedroom door and said to her husband, “Nathan, call the cops."

The defendant was interviewed at the Orange County Jail where he provided a written statement as requested.

According to the defendant, he and the victim had been cohabiting on and off for a period of five years. Mr. Walker stated that there had been several separations during that time, the longest of which had lasted six months.

He stated that his common-law wife, Bunny, would always be the one who left, however, they would always reconcile.

Mr. Walker described the relationship as one which had been constantly stormy however, he was in love with the victim and both of them always forgave and forgot.

According to the defendant, after approximately one and one half to two years into the relationship, Bunny Walker began flirting with other men and running around.

Additionally, she brought up to him the fact that she had been a prostitute in the past (this was normally brought up during arquments) which he felt was designed only to hurt him.

According to the defendant, toward the end of their relationship, she began seeing other men and this, combined with the fact that he had lost his job, it was during the holidays, and he had been drinking excessively, was putting him under undue pressure.

Mr. Walker stated that he has never owned a qun, however Bunny Walker owned a .32 Baretta, which she kept in her purse.

He stated the qun used in the present offense belonged to a Jim Helms, and this gun had previously been in Bunny Walker's possession.

Mr. Walker did state that he remembered cleaning the gun the evening of the offense, however, stated the rest of the events were pretty-well obscured in his mind.

He did recall that he had had alot to drink, stating that he had been drinking beer and Peppermint Schnapps, in addition to grain alcohol, at home (his blood alcohol level was •19).