Judge Sentences Homicide Defendant to 50 Years

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During a hearing on Oct. 18, DC Superior Court Judge Marisa Demeo sentenced a homicide defendant to 50 years of incarceration for a 2019 murder.

Matthew Walker, 25, was found guilty of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault knowingly while armed, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, carrying a pistol without a license, and possession of a large capacity ammunition feeding device in a non-jury trial for his involvement the fatal shooting of David Remen, 32, and non-fatal shooting of another victim, Michael Hardy, on Feb. 14, 2019, on the 1700 block of Hamlin Street, NE.

Hardy has since passed away.

In a separate case, Walker is also charged with first-degree murder while armed for allegedly stabbing 23-year-old Jamal Green-Lee on the 100 block of Michigan Avenue, NE on April 29, 2019. Green-Lee died on Nov. 4, 2020, due to his injuries.

During the hearing, three family members of the victims addressed the court and described the incredible pain they felt during the incident, and described how hard it is still not knowing Walker’s motive. Remen’s father delivered a heartfelt victim impact statement to the court, stating that David was his only son, and he was viciously murdered by someone he did not know.

He said he is still asking why and searching for answers. He described experiencing unbearable pain and guilt over what happened, and that grief over his son’s death led to his wife’s death who was struggling with cancer.

Remen’s father traveled over 1,000 miles to give his statement and he said he accepts what society imposes as Walker’s sentence.

Hardy’s wife and daughter also gave victim impact statements. They described the enormous toll the shooting took on their family and the victim himself.

They said Hardy’s death a few years after the shooting was linked to the trauma he suffered from the crime. That he was never the same, never found peace, which led to health struggles including PTSD.

Hardy’s wife asked the court to ensure Walker is in prison for the rest of his life because he is a danger to society.

Walker addressed the court and apologized to the families for their loss and asked the court for the lowest possible sentence although he has never explained the motive for the attack.

Judge Demeo with the victim’s families and conceded that no sentence would make up for the pain and loss they experienced.

She explained that the sentence would take into account Walker’s struggles, which include suffering trauma from early age and severe mental health disorders.

Walker was sentenced to 38 years for the murder of Remen and 12 years for the non-fatal shooting of Hardy. The sentences will run consecutive to each other for a total sentence of 50 years, and the sentences for all other charges will run concurrently to this sentence.

There are no further dates set for this case.

Walker is set to have a status hearing for his charges regarding the death of Green-Lee on Nov. 8.