Clinton, MD – Nearly a year after 16-year-old Robert Walker was tragically shot and killed at a local gas station, Prince George’s County police have announced the arrest of an 18-year-old suspect, bringing a critical breakthrough in the long-standing investigation.
Arrest Made in 2023 Teen Homicide
Police confirmed that Stephon Johnson, 18, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the August 12, 2023 shooting of Robert Walker. The incident took place along Highway 223 at a gas station in Clinton, where Walker had reportedly gone to buy snacks.
When officers arrived on scene, they found the teen suffering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the gas station. He was later pronounced dead. The fatal shooting occurred just days before Robert’s 17th birthday.
A Mother’s Final Goodbye
For Robert’s mother, Indiara Walker, the day of the shooting still feels like a nightmare.
“I was going out to run some errands, and he just stopped and said, ‘Mommy, I love you,’ and I said, ‘I love you too,’ and that was the last thing we said to each other,” she recalled.
Since that tragic day, the Walker family has lived with unimaginable grief. “It has been very, very hard, trying to live life without Robert,” his mother shared. “The family is hurt.”
Plea for Justice Prevented Cold Case
In the months following Robert’s death, the Walker family held a prayer vigil and continuously pleaded with the public to help keep the case alive.
“I constantly pushed the fact that I didn’t want my son’s case to be a cold case, and as a mom, you just want justice,” Indiara said. “I don’t think this is something that we’re ever going to heal from.”
Their perseverance, combined with investigative efforts, helped move the case forward.
Remembering Robert Walker
Robert was a student at Gwynn Park High School, full of hope and excitement for his future.
“He was an amazing person all the way around the board,” his mother said. “He was the sweetest person you could probably ever meet.”
She added that he had big dreams — he was looking forward to prom, graduation, and college.
“It’s unfortunate that he didn’t make it to do all of those things.”
Ongoing Investigation
Although Johnson is now in custody and held without bond, police say the investigation is still active as they work to determine a motive for the shooting.
Authorities have not revealed whether Johnson and Walker knew each other, or what circumstances led to the deadly encounter.
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