It's an emotionally charged topic on Yorkton city streets and there are few people who don't at least know the basics of the case. Kim Walker is back in court (for a second trial) and while most people have strong feelings - either one way or the other - about his guilt, what should be remembered at this time as we are tempted to voice our opinions, is there are real families involved in this situation and real people who have to live in the aftermath of what happened just over eight years ago.
It was early afternoon back on March 7, 2003 when a frustrated Kim Walker ventured to the home of his daughter's boyfriend - James Hayward. After making up his mind he had no other recourse, or way to save his daughter from a life of drugs and possible death, he brought with him a nine millimeter pistol and two extra clips. He then emptied a 10 bullet clip and James Hayward lay dead in a pool of blood, forever changing the lives of at least two local families.
There's no disputing the facts. Walker did kill James Hayward. But was he justified in what he did? Can you ever justify murder? Could he not have done anything else aside from resorting to taking a life? Were he and his daughter the victims of a system that failed them?
While it's all up to a jury of his peers to decide now, one thing is for certain, people always have choices. In my opinion, regardless of the situation, he decided on a poor one. I can't help but think there could have been some other way to diffuse the situation. And when asked, "what would you have done if it were your daughter?" I would like to think I would have found another solution - but with that said - I feel for the man and his family. He was at his wits end and he had his daughter's well being and safety in mind. He was a "normal" family man prior to that fateful day and I've heard many say they would have made the exact same decision if they were in his shoes. But would you really?
There's no changing what happened. There's no way to rewrite the ending. A woman has lost her son forever and a local family is being pulled through the wringer as they watch their father/husband sit on trial and await the outcome.
It's not a soap opera or a Hollywood movie, this is real life involving real people. It's a tragic story and one that hopefully people will learn from. As you head to the coffee shop or the post office remember you too have a choice. You can gossip and fuel the fire or you can leave the matter be and let two hurting families carry on with their lives the best they can.
