Left inset: David Walker (KXTV). Right inset: Layla Clemons on the left and Jaea Chatman on the right (KXTV). Background: The area where David Walker allegedly hit Layla Clemons and Jaea Chatman in California as they were riding bicycles (KXTV).
A California judge has approved murder charges against a man who allegedly mowed down two teens on bicycles, left the scene, then returned to see one of their lifeless bodies on the side of the road before taking off again.
David Walker, 71, was in court Monday as a Yolo County judge reportedly approved eight charges, including murder, in connection with the deaths of Jaea Chatman and her girlfriend Layla Clemons, both 17, who were killed on Aug. 2, 2025. Prosecutors say Walker hit Jaea and Layla as they were riding their bikes near Jefferson Boulevard and Bevan Road around 9 p.m. that Saturday.
"That was very disturbing," Satori Todd, mother of 17-year-old victim Jaea Chatman, told local NBC affiliate KCRA in an August 2025 interview about Walker allegedly returning to the scene to see her daughter's body.
"But it also kind of brought me a sense of peace because I feel like she was gone," Todd recounted. "That helped me know that she maybe didn't suffer."
Jaea's father, Jerry Chatman, told local ABC affiliate KXTV that "there will be no forgiveness" for what Walker allegedly did. Prosecutors say the septuagenarian admitted to drinking an estimated 6 to 8 ounces of vodka before getting behind the wheel that evening.
"This is not the movie where I say, 'Alright, you know I found it,'" Chatman explained. "I'm not gonna find it, I'm not looking to forgive him. I'm not finding it in my heart. I'm not even looking for it."
Walker allegedly left the crash scene, made a U-turn, then stopped and got out of his car, KCRA reports. He saw Jaea's body and spoke to at least two people at the scene before fleeing, according to prosecutors.
The girls' bikes were crushed and their bodies were found on opposite sides of the road.
"All of his actions were somewhat very convenient at the time," Chatman noted. "He can't get a blood alcohol because he left the scene."
Describing his feelings after the murder charges were approved, Chatman added, "I just hope that we continue to see justice. I hope we continue to get these wins. We get what we can get, and we're not gonna throw a fit. Just as long as he has to stand and answer for his crimes."