The man behind the wheel during the fatal Woodmore school bus crash that killed six students was arrested on new charges related to a rape victim.
In 2016, Johnthony Walker was found guilty on six counts of criminally negligent homicide, 11 counts of reckless aggravated assault and seven counts of assault. He was driving a Hamilton County bus, carrying 37 Woodmore Elementary School students, and swerved off Talley Road, crashed into a utility pole, flipped over and hit a tree. The crash left six students dead and dozens injured.
Walker is now facing charges regarding violating his sex offender registration, aggravated assault, child abuse without injury and interference with an emergency call after he allegedly visited and attacked a prior victim.
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According to affidavits obtained from Davidson County, Walker allegedly showed up at his ex-girlfriend’s house without her consent. The ex-girlfriend was the victim when Walker was convicted of statutory rape in 2020, and she was 14 at the time. He was sentenced to six years and one month in prison, and his term expired Jan. 3, 2025, according to state records.
When she opened the door, Walker, now 34, rushed in and tackled her, according to the affidavit. He allegedly began to accuse her of cheating on him and being with other men, and told her to give him her phone.
She kicked and punched to get Walker off her, she told police, and tried to call 911, but Walker grabbed her phone and punched, kicked and strangled her for a brief moment.
The woman’s 4-year-old daughter was there, and the mother told the girl to run for help, according to the report, but Walker tripped the child. Walker then fled the scene, taking the phone with him, authorities said.
Contact breaking news reporter Kailee Shores at kshores@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.