Too Sensitive?
By: Tommy “Tj” Sotomayor

CLICK HERE TO TALK WITH THE HOST LIVE!

Cedar Rapids police forward findings in Devonna Walker death investigation to Linn County Attorney

Default Mono Sans Mono Serif Sans Serif Comic Fancy Small CapsDefault X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large XX-LargeDefault Outline Dark Outline Light Outline Dark Bold Outline Light Bold Shadow Dark Shadow Light Shadow Dark Bold Shadow Light BoldDefault Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%Default Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%

Devonna Walker, 29, died after being stabbed at the Cambridge Townhomes on Monday evening.

By KCRG Staff

Published: Jan. 13, 2023 at 11:39 AM EST|Updated: 10 hours ago

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids Police Department said it has completed its investigation into the death of Devonna Walker last week at the Cambridge Townhomes in Northeast Cedar Rapids.

In a press release, police said they have forwarded their completed investigation to the Linn County Attorney on Thursday.

Police said the stabbing happened in the 2100 block of North Towne Court Northeast at about 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 2. Police said the stabbing victim, Devonna Walker, was taken to a local hospital, where she later died. Officers detained two people to be interviewed regarding the incident. Both were later released.

Video footage from the incident shows Walker charge someone who had their back to her right before she is stabbed. Walker’s family has called the incident a “racist murder.” The video footage shows Walker and at least two other people shouting at each other, with one person shouting a racial slur just before Walker charged at them.

The Linn County Attorney’s Office released the following statement on the investigation:

“The Linn County Attorney’s Office received the final investigative file into the death of Devonna Walker from the Cedar Rapids Police Department the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2023. There is a lot of information to consider and evaluate and we will make it a top priority, however, as in many cases, we may need to follow up with the police department to discuss the case further so that we can make the appropriate decision based on the evidence and nothing else. Arrests and prosecutions for criminal offenses are based on police investigations, the collection of evidence and witness statements, and legal considerations by prosecutors. As our office previously stated, investigations and important decisions regarding whether criminal charges will be filed and what level of charges will be filed are done after thorough consideration and can take days, weeks, and even months to complete. There is also potential important information that we do not have that may be necessary to evaluate, for example, the autopsy results have not been finalized.

Our office is in contact with Devonna Walker’s family through the Waypoint Survivors’ Program and we will provide the family with an update.

We recognize that there is pain in the community over the loss of Devonna Walker. We share in lamenting the unnecessary loss of life to violence and remain committed to justice in this case, as we are in every case. We are asking that anyone who is feeling this pain and who is feeling anger to find support in resources available in the community and among community members but not to take matters into their own hands. We understand the family and friends of Devonna Walker – and our greater community – want answers as to what happened that led to Devonna Walker losing her life. We want answers as well and that is why the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Linn County Attorney’s Office are continuing to work together on this investigation.”

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell also released the following statement:

The Cedar Rapids Police Department concluded its investigation into the death of Devonna Walker. The case is now in the hands of the Linn County Attorney, who will determine whether charges are filed. He has assured me it is his top priority.

Violence and hate have no place in our community. I understand the frustration while we wait for the results of the investigation. In order to ensure a just outcome, we must respect the legal process. It will require patience and calm.

While we wait, let’s remember there is a family left behind. Let us unite to make sure they receive the care and support they need.

Family, friends wait for answers in stabbing death of Cedar Rapids mother

---

Family and friends of Devonna Walker are still waiting for more details and information after the 29-year-old was stabbed at Cambridge Townhomes on January 2. Walker died from her injuries.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (IOWA’S NEWS NOW) — Six days after the first homicide of 2023 in Cedar Rapids, family and friends of the woman killed are still wondering what happened as they wait for answers.

Devonna Walker, 29, was found stabbed in the 2100 block of North Towne Court NE just after 6:30 p.m. on January 2. Walker died after being taken to a local hospital.

Two people were detained and questioned following the stabbing – but both were released. CRPD tells Iowa’s News Now there aren’t any other updates in the case.

LaSean Boles, Walker’s mother, is frustrated with the lack of communication from investigators. She says aside from talking to police at the hospital the night of Walker’s death, the only other contact with authorities was when she went to them.

“Friday (January 6) – I went to the police station. I wanted to know what’s going on,” Boles told Iowa’s News Now on Sunday. “How come no one’s knocked on my door? No one’s contacted me. I don’t even know where my baby at. I ain’t seen her since this all happened.”

Boles says her daughter leaves behind three children: two boys (ages 14 and 7) and a girl born in late October.

“She was very thrilled about that,” Boles said. “She’d been wanting a girl.”

There was peaceful protest held Monday morning outside the Linn County Courthouse – organized by people that want more answers and action after Walker’s death.