A California man is facing murder charges after prosecutors alleged he struck and killed two 17-year-old girls riding bicycles, fled the scene, then returned moments later to look at one of the victims before driving away again.
David Walker, 71, appeared in Yolo County Superior Court on Monday, where a judge approved eight criminal charges, including murder, in connection with the deaths of Jaea Chatman and Layla Clemons.
The fatal collision occurred on the night of August 2, 2025, near the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Bevan Road in Yolo County, California.
Two Teenagers Killed While Riding Bicycles
According to prosecutors, Jaea Chatman and her girlfriend, Layla Clemons, were riding their bicycles at approximately 9 p.m. when Walker allegedly struck them with his vehicle.
The impact threw both teenagers from their bicycles.
Investigators said the girls’ bicycles were crushed, and their bodies were found on opposite sides of the roadway. Both 17-year-olds died from their injuries.
Prosecutors Say Driver Left and Then Returned
Authorities allege that after the collision, Walker drove away from the scene.
According to prosecutors, he later made a U-turn, returned to the crash site, stopped his vehicle, and got out to look at Jaea Chatman’s body.
Investigators also allege Walker spoke with at least two people who had arrived at the scene before leaving once again without remaining there.
Those allegations became a key part of the criminal case filed against him.
Mother Says Discovery Was Both Painful and Comforting
Following the tragedy, Jaea’s mother, Satori Todd, said learning that Walker allegedly returned to the scene was deeply upsetting.
However, she also said the information gave her some comfort because she believes her daughter had already died before Walker came back, making her feel that Jaea likely did not continue suffering after the collision.
Father Rejects Any Thought of Forgiveness
Jaea’s father, Jerry Chatman, said he has no intention of forgiving Walker for what happened.
According to prosecutors, Walker admitted he had consumed approximately 6 to 8 ounces of vodka before driving on the night of the crash.
Chatman said he is focused only on seeing Walker held accountable through the legal system.
Questions Raised About Leaving the Scene
Jerry Chatman also questioned Walker’s decision to leave the crash site before authorities arrived.
He suggested that by leaving, Walker avoided an immediate blood alcohol test that could have documented his condition following the collision.
Prosecutors have publicly stated that Walker admitted to drinking before driving, though additional details regarding his blood alcohol level have not been released.
Judge Approves Murder Charges
During Monday’s hearing, a Yolo County judge approved eight criminal charges, including murder, allowing the prosecution to move forward with the case.
The charges reflect prosecutors’ allegations regarding Walker’s conduct before, during, and after the fatal collision.
Families Continue Pursuing Justice
After the court hearing, Jerry Chatman expressed hope that the legal proceedings would continue moving forward and that Walker would ultimately answer for the deaths of both teenagers.
The criminal case remains pending as prosecutors seek to hold Walker accountable for the deaths of Jaea Chatman and Layla Clemons, whose families continue to mourn the loss of the two young cyclists.
