Teen professes love for girlfriend online hours before his arrest for her murder
A US teen shared a social media tribute to his murdered girlfriend hours before he was arrested for allegedly shooting her at point blank range.
Sixteen-year-old cheerleader Emma Walker was shot through her bedroom window as she slept, about 6.30am on Monday, in North Knox County, Texas.
William Riley Gaul, 18, was arrested late on Tuesday (local time), the Knox County Sheriff's Office said.
He has been held in the Knox County Jail since then on a $750,000 bond and expected to face a December 2 preliminary hearing, local media WBIR reported.
The teen was under police surveillance because they suspected he planned to destroy evidence related to the shooting.
Gaul, a Maryville College football player, is accused of firing "a gun into the residence with exact proximity to where the victim, Emma Walker, was sleeping," according to his arrest warrant.
Earlier this year he graduated from Central High School, where he played football for the Bobcats. Emma was still attending the school until her death, and wanted to become a nurse after she finished school.
"Maryville College is cooperating fully with the Knox County Sheriff’s Department in this investigation," the school said in a statement.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends and other individuals affected by this tragedy.”
Just 16 hours before his arrest, Gaul Tweeted: “I love you Emma, I can’t be around any of that yet, it’s too soon. I know you know I’m dying to be there but understand I can’t. I love you.”
On Monday night, he shared a Bible verse from Corinthians, and professed his love to his former love.
His Twitter profile was also updated to say: "Living everyday through Emma Walker. I love you beautiful and I know you're in a better place now."
Gaul is due to face Knox County General Sessions Court net week.
A YouCaring page was set up to help the Walker family pay for Emma's funeral costs, and has already raised about US$12,000 of the $20,000 goal.
"Emma was a beloved daughter, sister, family member, and friend. She was a cheerleader at Central High School and shared her smile with the entire Bobcat Nation," according to the page.
"Her fun, kind, sweet spirit was contagious. Emma was a beauty inside and out. Our community was blessed to know her."
News break – November 24
