TAMPA, Fla. — The jury found Ronny Walker guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of a 14-year-old girl who was shot and killed in May 2022.
14-year-old Nilexia Alexander was found dead by the road near the 100 block of Floribraska Avenue on May 6, 2022. A few days later, police arrested Ronny Walker for her death.
Tampa Police said detectives were able to tie Walker's vehicle to that area during the time of the murder. Detectives also said that cellphone evidence placed Alexander inside Walker's vehicle around the time of her death.
According to TPD, a search warrant was done on Walker's vehicle and evidence was sent to FDLE. Results from FDLE tested positive for Alexander's DNA.
This isn't Walker's first murder charge. He was charged with first-degree murder in 2009 for the 2003 murder of Elaine Caldwell.
The trial now enters penalty phase beginning Thursday, June 26.
This is the first capital case in Hillsborough County to proceed under a new state law enacted in 2023, which allows a jury to recommend a death sentence if at least 8 out of 12 jurors agree. Previously, a death recommendation required a unanimous decision.
The State Attorney’s Office announced it is seeking the death penalty, as the same jury will decide Walker’s sentence.
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