Cedar Rapids police forward findings in Devonna Walker death investigation to Linn County Attorney

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The Cedar Rapids Police Department said it has completed its investigation into the death of Devonna Walker last week at the Cambridge Townhomes in Northeast Cedar Rapids.

In a press release, police said they have forwarded their completed investigation to the Linn County Attorney on Thursday.

Police said the stabbing happened in the 2100 block of North Towne Court Northeast at about 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 2. Police said the stabbing victim, Devonna Walker, was taken to a local hospital, where she later died. Officers detained two people to be interviewed regarding the incident. Both were later released.

Video footage from the incident shows Walker charge someone who had their back to her right before she is stabbed. Walker’s family has called the incident a “racist murder.” The video footage shows Walker and at least two other people shouting at each other, with one person shouting a racial slur just before Walker charged at them.

The Linn County Attorney’s Office released the following statement on the investigation:

“The Linn County Attorney’s Office received the final investigative file into the death of Devonna Walker from the Cedar Rapids Police Department the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2023. 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. Arrests and prosecutions for criminal offenses are based on police investigations, the collection of evidence and witness statements, and legal considerations by prosecutors. As our office previously stated, investigations and important decisions regarding whether criminal charges will be filed and what level of charges will be filed are done after thorough consideration and can take days, weeks, and even months to complete. There is also potential important information that we do not have that may be necessary to evaluate, for example, the autopsy results have not been finalized.

Our office is in contact with Devonna Walker’s family through the Waypoint Survivors’ Program and we will provide the family with an update.

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, as we are in every 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. We understand the family and friends of Devonna Walker - and our greater community - want answers as to what happened that led to Devonna Walker losing her life. We want answers as well and that is why the Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Linn County Attorney’s Office are continuing to work together on this investigation.”

Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell also released the following statement:

The Cedar Rapids Police Department concluded its investigation into the death of Devonna Walker. The case is now in the hands of the Linn County Attorney, who will determine whether charges are filed. He has assured me it is his top priority.

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.

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.

Copyright 2023 KCRG. All rights reserved.