Corey Walker, the last defendant charged in the murder of Pop Smoke, was sentenced to 29 years in prison for the 2020 murder on Friday (February 21). Walker, 24, had pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and home invasion robbery with gun and gang enhancements at a hearing two weeks ago.
Before his sentencing, Walker spoke to the court, stating, "Even though the Jackson family isn’t here in court today, I would like to sincerely apologize for my unforgivable actions, although there’s no apology that amounts to the taking of someone’s life. I would also like to take this opportunity to apologize to my family for the pain and embarrassment that they have endured over the last five years, as well as an apology to my community."
He added, "Today I take responsibility for my dreadful partake in these crimes, and as I begin my road to rehabilitation, I assure you that I will steer clear from negative behavior."
Walker took a plea deal that led to a murder charge being dropped in favor of the manslaughter charge. If he were convicted under his original murder charges, Walker would be facing a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Pop Smoke's mother, Audrey Jackson, spoke about the case being resolved. She told Rolling Stone, "It’s over for everybody except for me. This never ends for me. And that’s unfair. I’m grateful that the culprits were caught. I appreciate they got justice to the fullest extent of the law. But my life doesn’t change. I still don’t have my son. I will continue to work on his legacy, but that’s also a constant reminder that he’s not here."
Source: Rolling Stone
