Misc. Cases II

[HairOfTheDog]

KNOXVILLE, TN - The ex-Maryville College football player accused of fatally shooting his former high school girlfriend has been released on bond.

On Nov. 21, investigators say Gaul stood in the fenced backyard of 16-year-old Emma Walker and fired a gun into her bedroom. The popular Central High School cheerleader was killed as she lay in bed. The indictment alleges that Gaul stole the gun from his grandfather.

Gaul was released on bond and is no longer in custody, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE:

Prosecutors said Gaul intended to kill his ex-girlfriend in anger over the end of their two-year relationship. Defense lawyer Wesley Stone said Gaul never intended to harm Walker and should be convicted of the lesser charge of reckless homicide.

The jury sided with the prosecution yesterday and found Gaul guilty of felony murder, stalking, tampering with evidence, theft of between $500 and $1,000, and possession of a firearm in a dangerous felony.

The eight-man, four-woman jury deliberated four hours before reaching its verdict. The 19-year-old was immediately given a mandatory sentence of life in prison without possibility of parole for 51 years. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/william-ril...ma-walker/