While doing some research for a blog about senseless
shootings across the country, I came across a breaking news report about a
gunman in Durham, North Carolina. Known
as “The Bull City,” Durham is the home of Duke University and North Carolina
Central University. The video
news broadcast showed an armed, visibly distraught and troubled man.
 |
| Derek D. Walker aka Derek Mortician personal Facebook photo |
Later reports
identified the man as Derek D. Walker, 26, an assistant mortician and native of
Durham. The father of a young son, he
reportedly was very distraught having lost a custody battle and visitation
rights.
I found myself reading various posts from Mr. Walker’s
Facebook page (he was identified under the moniker “Derek
Mortician”). One can clearly see
this young man had dealt with bouts of depression and had previously
contemplated suicide. He seemed to have
made it through that period by strengthening his religious beliefs. However in recent days his faith had deteriorated
greatly and thoughts of suicide had returned.
His Facebook post of September 17th unmistakably
said he was in trouble and he didn’t want to make it. He had turned away from friends and
supporters that had tried to reach out to him.
So on a cool late summer ‘s Tuesday afternoon, near the
symbol of his home town , this troubled and depressed man, who had lost faith
in the judicial system and his religious convictions, stood with gun in hand. Sometimes pointing the weapon at his head and
other times crying, talking to himself and gesturing with the weapon. Then finally, he points the firearm in the
direction of police officers who had assumed defensive positions. Shots rang out as horrified onlookers
screamed out. An unknown number of
rounds struck Derek Walker in his torso.
He died while en route to a nearby medical treatment facility.
Something is seriously wrong in our society when a human
being, struggling with the trials and tribulations that life can throw at you,
can elect to commit “suicide by cop.” And many of those designated to “protect
and serve” seem more than willing to grant wishes of death.
Did this young man need to die, a victim of the judicial system
that had already failed him? Or did he need to be heard? Did he need to be comforted? Did he need to know, that in time the pain and
anguish he felt, would pass?
It’s time for a change America. Let’s
take guns out of the hands of those troubled, disturbed and in anguish. Let’s take the guns out of the hands of the multitudes. Far too many seem to misuse these instruments
of death on a daily basis. It’s time for
a change in America.
I’m not hatin, I’m jus sayin…
very sad. im a close relative to his sons mother and he never lost custody of his son, they shared joint custody since 2008. he would take her to court all the time that's why it was always walker vs alston. the last time they went to court was because their son was heading to school, which was already post dated by their judge.i was there with her, he keep telling her he loved her over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again. when It was over he was in the elevator with us holding her saying he loved her over and over and over which was scary he kissed her and cried. this is sad because he tried to portray my sister in a neg light. week before the incident they took their son to the museum of life and science, where he proposed to her a second time...she didn't give him the answer he wanted hear. he was a very showing person which she is not, she not on facebook or anything, she was hurt by what he wrote of her, shocked. thank you for not putting her down.
ReplyDeleteThank you for you comments.
DeleteIt is not my purpose to point fingers or affix blame. I did not know this young man or have any knowledge of the drama in his life. I also do not know his son's mother and I don't have any idea what she may have felt for this young man. As anonymous as you remain, you were obviously much closer to all parties concerned and therefore may have a better idea of the particulars.
What I do know is this, we all have or will experience drama in one form or another. Sometimes it will be extremely trying and it is during these trying times, we all need a an ear to bend and a shoulder to cry on.
This young man, seemed to have placed a lot of faith in his spiritual beliefs and the judicial system. Neither of which responded in the manner in which he anticipated.
I feel bad for this troubled young man and his family. Surely each of them will feel his loss for years to come.
I feel the pain his son's mother will experience trying to explain to her son how and why his father is no longer here. I would never attempt to persecute this woman for not choosing to live her life as she sees fit.
I empathize with his young son, who without a doubt loved his father and will miss his presence his in life. A missing father in the home, is another great tragedy of our communities.
Finally, I am fearful for other Americans of African descent all over this nation that are subject to lose their lives to fatal police actions. It seems this too is growing to epidemic proportions, when a less terminal solution maybe at hand.
Once again, I thank you for your feedback and invite you to again visit the Dome and provide your input.
I'm Derek Walkers First Cousin Tinita Walker. Derek and I was as close as Sister and Brother. It angers me to see people talk but not speak the truth. Derek did good by Ethan. That is the way Grand ma Gladys Walker raised us. He loved him with all his heart. If you like the Real story email me at my name 400@gmail.I will gladly share with you.
ReplyDelete