On Monday, a Tarrant County jury convicted 33-year-old Keith Haynes of the capital murder of his ex-girlfriend, Kenishia Walker, and her unborn child. The incident occurred on April 14, 2017, when Haynes shot and killed the 25-year-old single mother in her Arlington home. Kenishia Walker was pregnant with Haynes' child at the time.
The jury handed down an automatic sentence of life without the possibility of parole for Haynes. Tarrant County Assistant District Attorneys Allenna Bangs and Sarah Sherman represented the state in the case.
During the trial, Allenna Bangs highlighted the tragic timing of the murder, which took place over Easter weekend, symbolizing new life. Bangs emphasized that Kenishia had no inkling of the betrayal when Haynes requested her to leave the door unlocked for him. The 8-year-old son of the victim discovered her lifeless body.
"He was such a coward, killing her and his unborn baby," Bangs remarked. "Kenishia is important. The unborn baby's life was important. And they both mattered."
Haynes was apprehended a few days after the crime at his Plano apartment. Kenishia Walker had reportedly expressed fears that Haynes might harm her and had shared screenshots of text conversations with a friend, stating, "If I ever come up dead, please show the police this and other screenshots."
Sarah Sherman addressed the jury, stating, "This case is not a mystery. All the evidence has pointed to one person."
The District Attorney's office acknowledged the efforts of DA Investigator Victor Espino-Nevarez and Victim Advocate Clara Salvatierra, as well as the Arlington Police Department, for their work on the case.
