FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
TAMPA, FL (June 27, 2025) — A Hillsborough County jury recommended a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole for defendant Ronny Walker. He was convicted earlier this week of first-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of a teenage girl in Tampa Heights. The state sought the death penalty.
The decision came after the conclusion of the penalty phase of the trial, where jurors heard emotional testimony from the victim’s family, including new testimony about Walker’s previous manslaughter conviction. The State Attorney’s Office argued for the death penalty because Walker was previously convicted of another capital felony, and the homicide was committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner.
A new Florida law enacted in 2023 allows a jury to recommend death if at least 8 of the jurors agree on the death sentence. However, because this crime occurred before the law was enacted, the decision was required to be unanimous.
“There is simply no sentence that can return this child back to her family or undo the pain caused by this defendant. But this decision ensures he will never harm another person again. We are grateful for the jury’s service, our talented prosecutors, and valued law enforcement partners for helping to deliver justice for the victim and her family,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “I commend Governor Ron DeSantis for his leadership in signing new legislation that gives juries the ability to deliver justice by ensuring the most heinous offenders can be held fully accountable for their actions. I have personally witnessed an execution and understand the gravity of the decision. The death penalty is not something we pursue lightly and is reserved for only the cruelest of crimes. We respect and appreciate the jury’s decision.”
The jury recommends the sentence to the judge, who makes the final decision. A judge is required by Florida law to give great weight to the jury’s verdict. The judge immediately sentenced Walker to life in prison without the possibility of parole.