A 71-year-old California man is facing murder charges after prosecutors say he mowed down two 17-year-old girls on bicycles, fled the scene, then returned — only to look at one of their lifeless bodies on the side of the road before driving away again.
David Walker appeared in a Yolo County courtroom Monday, where a judge approved eight charges against him, including murder, in connection with the deaths of Jaea Chatman and Layla Clemons. The two girlfriends were riding their bikes near Jefferson Boulevard and Bevan Road in Davis on the night of August 2, 2025, when Walker allegedly struck them. Their bikes were crushed, and their bodies were found on opposite sides of the road.
Prosecutors say Walker admitted to drinking an estimated 6 to 8 ounces of vodka before getting behind the wheel that evening. After the crash, he allegedly made a U-turn, returned to the scene, got out of his car, and observed Jaea’s body — speaking to at least two witnesses — before fleeing a second time.
For Jaea’s mother, Satori Todd, that detail was deeply unsettling — but also, in a strange way, brought her some comfort.
“That was very disturbing,” she said. “But it also kind of brought me a sense of peace because I feel like she was gone. That helped me know that she maybe didn’t suffer.”
Jaea’s father, Jerry Chatman, was less forgiving. He pointed out that by leaving the scene, Walker avoided a blood alcohol test — a move Chatman called “convenient.”
“He can’t get a blood alcohol because he left the scene,” Chatman said. “All of his actions were somewhat very convenient at the time.”
As for forgiveness — Chatman made his position clear.
“I’m not gonna find it, I’m not looking to forgive him. I’m not finding it in my heart.”
Walker’s case is now moving forward. The Chatman family says they will continue pushing for justice.
“Just as long as he has to stand and answer for his crimes,” Jerry Chatman said.