A 20-year-old Chattanooga man is heading to Hamilton County Criminal Court in connection with a fatal August drive-by shooting of a rival gang member.
Christopher Walton, in jail on a $1 million bond, was indicted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a violent felony, aggravated assault, reckless aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Hamilton County prosecutors filed the true bill last week, but news reached those affected by the violence a little later.
Christopher Walton
"I am overjoyed," said Satedra Smith, who learned of the indictment Tuesday afternoon. Police said her son, Jordan Clark, a 20-year-old Rollin 40s Crip, was shot and killed in the Aug. 25 drive-by attack that injured one other person.
"You don't even understand," Smith said. "I am celebrating in the car right now."
Clark was walking with another man, Tavoris McKeldin, on North Willow Street around 8 p.m. when a white PT Cruiser approached Citico Avenue and someone opened fire. McKeldin sprinted toward Robbins Street, where he scaled a chain-link fence to safety. Clark, on the other hand, was hit multiple times. He dropped on Willow Street and never got up again.
The gunfire also reached Vernandus Adair, 37, who was inside his home when a bullet ripped through the wall, striking him in the leg. Adair had to be treated on the scene by emergency medical services.
The next day, police arrested the alleged shooter - Walton, a Rollin 20s Blood. A month later, he appeared in Hamilton County General Sessions Court, where a judge bound his case over to the grand jury and hiked his bond on his murder charge up to $1 million. Smith barely remembers that hearing. The pain was so fresh, she couldn't even sit through the first five minutes.
Thrilled about Tuesday's news, Smith also realized the pain would deepen and widen, as Walton's case moves through Criminal Court.
"Now we are going to have to relive it all over again," she said. "For me, that's going to be the hardest part."
Walton already faces gun and drug charges in Hamilton County Criminal Court. But he will make his first appearance on the latest charges April 29 before Judge Don Poole.
Contact staff writer Zack Peterson at zpeterson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6347 with story ideas or tips. Follow @zackpeterson918.