Cedar Rapids officials say fatal stabbing case is a priority

CEDAR RAPIDS — Law enforcement officials sought Friday to tell the public they are moving forward with investigating the fatal stabbing of Devonna Walker, after social justice advocates this week complained authorities are not being transparent in the death of the Black mother of three.

Walker, 29, was stabbed Jan. 3 outside of an apartment complex in the 2100 block of North Towne Ct. NE. Two people were detained and interviewed by police, but were released later that day.

Local activist organizations held a protest Wednesday urging the police department and the attorney’s office to make an arrest and to keep the public — and Walker’s family — informed.

In public statements Friday, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Linn County Attorney’s Office and the Cedar Rapids mayor all said the case is getting their attention.

Police said they have completed their investigation and turned it over to the Linn County Attorney’s Office to consider charges. Later, the Linn County Attorney’’s Office issued its own statement, saying it would provide an update to Walker’s family.

“There is a lot of information to consider and evaluate and we will make it a top priority, however, as in many cases, we may need to follow up with the police department to discuss the case further so that we can make the appropriate decision based on the evidence and nothing else,” the prosecutors’ statement reads.

The statement notes there are many legal factors that go into arrests and prosecutions, and filing charges can take days, weeks or even months. Walker’s autopsy results, which could include key information, have not yet been finalized, the statement said.

“We recognize that there is pain in the community over the loss of Devonna Walker. We share in lamenting the unnecessary loss of life to violence and remain committed to justice in this case. We are asking that anyone who is feeling this pain and who is feeling anger to find support in resources available in the community and among community members but not to take matters into their own hands,” it said.

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell also put out a statement, expressing sympathy to the family and friends of Walker.

“Violence and hate have no place in our community. I understand the frustration while we wait for the results of the investigation. In order to ensure a just outcome, we must respect the legal process. It will require patience and calm,” O’Donnell said. “While we wait, let’s remember there is a family left behind. Let us unite to make sure they receive the care and support they need.”

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