On Monday, September 18, in Columbus, Georgia, a father allegedly shot his four-year-old son in the head and the child’s mother in the chest. 

35-year-old Jacquese Antwan Walker was apprehended by the Columbus Police Department the following day, concluding a 36-hour manhunt. Presently, Walker is charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during a crime regarding his son’s death. Post-arrest, he was taken to the Muscogee County Jail, where a court hearing is pending.

When officers arrived at the scene on Monday shortly after 8 a.m., they found Marshama Bolden critically injured. Her young son, Jacquese Walker Jr., was found dead. Emergency services quickly transported Bolden to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital due to her critical condition.

Ernestine Freeman, who is the grandmother of the child and Bolden’s mother, relayed to WTVM about her prior observations of abuse in the relationship between Walker and her daughter. She stated, “He had been threatening her. I can’t do nothing about who my child loves.”

Marjae Connerly, sister to Bolden, has publicly voiced her strong feelings against Walker. She has also started a GoFundMe to manage the funeral costs for Jacquese, Jr. Connerly said, “Because that baby loved my sister,” hinting at a potential reason behind Walker’s actions.

This incident has deeply affected the family and the wider community, with many praying for Bolden’s recovery and seeking justice for the tragic loss.