Father to serve 10 years in death of son

A Milton father who pleaded guilty to criminal negligence in the death of his 3-month-old son in 2014 has been sentenced to 20 years in jail, with at least 10 years of jail time.

Shamar Walker, 20, told Delaware Superior Court Judge Jane Brady April 1 that he blames himself for the death of his 3-month-old son, Derek, and takes responsibility. He said he hopes when he is released to get a second chance at life and not be judged as a man who killed his son. Fighting back tears, Walker said he was not a killer or a monster, but he made a mistake.

Brady, becoming emotional herself, said, “I think you loved your child, but I think you are responsible for your son’s death.”

Exactly how Walker’s son died is still unknown.

Prosecutor Melanie Withers said a pattern of abuse by Walker against Derek, was shown by bruises and broken ribs. Withers said Walker had poor impulse control and took out his frustrations on Derek. Withers did not say Walker intentionally caused Derek’s death, but she said there were missed opportunities, such as no one being notified of Derek's prior bruising.

“The shame is Derek had to die because of those missed opportunities. I hope when he is released he carries the memory of what he did. He should carry that pain with him. It’s a shame we’re here today,” Withers said.

Walker’s attorney, Daniel Strumpf, said Walker was a loving father who was ill-equipped to handle fatherhood. He said Walker was an adopted child with no father figure in his own life who was not prepared for the challenges that come with a baby. Strumpf said Walker’s actions were acts of desperation and frustration, but not malice. He said at heart, Walker was a good person who wants to make a positive impact on society when he is released from prison. Strumpf acknowledged that Walker handled Derek roughly but said his son’s death was not characteristic of Walker’s behavior.

“I believe 10 years is an appropriate sentence. He will carry the burden for rest of his life. That’s the heaviest punishment that can be imposed,” Strumpf said.

Walker will get credit for the two years he has already been in prison. Once released, he will be on home confinement and work release before transitioning to probation.