Jury Convicts Kansas City Resident of Three Counts of Aggravated Robbery and Felony Cruelty to Animals

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces today a jury convicted 20-year-old Kansas City, Kansas resident Pierre P. Walker of three counts of aggravated robbery and one count of felony cruelty to animals.  This was the third jury trial of this case.  The first two trials ended with hung juries in July and October 2017. 

Senior Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple stated after the trial, “The District Attorney’s Office felt confident going forward with a third jury trial given the strong evidence we had against this defendant.” 

In the early morning hours of Monday, June 6, 2016, Lawrence Police Officers were called to investigate three separate aggravated robberies and a shots fired call.  The first victim reported he was walking in the 2200 block of Kasold Drive when he heard a vehicle pull behind him and stop.  The victim was approached by three subjects, one of whom had a shotgun.  The second victim was walking in the 2700 block of West 27th Street and reported being robbed at gunpoint.  The third victim was walking his dog in the 1500 block of West 27th Street when he noticed a vehicle come to a stop along the curb.  A passenger then got out of the vehicle and ordered him to hand over everything he had.  The victim observed another passenger lower a long object and then he heard a loud noise and his dog whimpered.  The victim’s dog had been shot and it died within minutes from his injuries.   

Walker’s jury trial began in the Division Two courtroom on Monday, January 22 with jury selection.  Opening statements were delivered Monday afternoon.  The case continued Tuesday and Wednesday.  Closing statements were delivered Thursday morning and the jury began its deliberation at about 11:00 a.m.  The jury deliberated for approximately two and a half hours before returning its verdict. 

Walker faces 55 to 247 months in prison for each of the aggravated robbery convictions and 30 days to one year for the felony cruelty to animals conviction.  His actual sentence will depend on his prior criminal history.  The Court ordered a pre-sentence investigation be completed and scheduled him to be sentenced on March 15. 

The Honorable Sally D. Pokorny presided over the case.  It was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Eve Kemple.

*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor

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