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By
Sydnee Bridges [former]
- June 7, 2023
Daily Stories
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Homicides
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Suspects
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Victims
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On June 6, DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in what police describe as a drunk driver accident resulting in the deaths of three people.
Nakita Walker, 43, is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for allegedly crashing into a car carrying Mohamed Kamara, 42, Jonathan Alberto Cabrera Mendez, 23, and Olvin Josue Torres Velasquez, 22, on March 15, 2023 on Rock Creek Parkway near the intersection of 26th Street and P Streets, NW,
Prosecutors presented body-worn camera footage of a traffic stop prior to the accident where Walker and a passenger were allegedly pulled over by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for speeding under the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Police allegedly found alcohol and marijuana in the vehicle but Walker pulled away accelerating to an estimated 100 miles-per-hour speed.
According to court documents, one mile down the Rock Creek Parkway expressway, Walker crossed double-yellow lines going southbound into the northbound lanes, and crashed into the vehicle carrying the three victims.
The DC Medical Examiner’s report indicates Walker’s blood alcohol content was 0.1– beyond the legal limit– with cannabis also present in her body.
According to U.S. Park Police testimony Walker’s passenger fled the scene. He was found near 26th and P Streets, NW, where he claims he was trying to find help.
When Walker arrived at the hospital, she reportedly was not able to fully remember what happened when speaking to detectives. However, she said that the passenger was “dirty”claiming he had guns and other drugs in the vehicle and that is the reason she fled from the traffic stop.
An anonymous caller claimed there were guns in Walker’s vehicle.
At the time of the accident Walker was on unsupervised probation for two previous driving under the influence (DUI) convictions and had three other DUI’s on her record.
Prosecutors argued that Walker’s decision to drive intoxicated while on probation shows a conscious disregard for human life. They also noted the officer who originally stopped Walker said he could have injured by her reckless driving.
Defense attorney, Dana Page, argued although Walker had a high blood alcohol content, it was not high enough for Walker to be driving in the manner alleged by prosecutors..
DC Superior Court Judge Robert Okun found probable cause in this case, stating, there is no reason someone should be driving that fast, specifically on winding roads like Rock Creek Parkway and at night.
He also found Walker’s ignoring the the officer’s warning a conscious disregard of human life.
Defense attorney Page argued for Walker’s release so she could attend her son’s elementary graduation. She said Walker is a single parent and has strong community ties.
Judge Okun denied release on grounds of the nature of the offense, strong evidence, and the history of the defendant.
Parties are expected back Aug. 21.