An Edmond man, Michael Elijah Walker, has been found not guilty by reason of mental illness in the shooting death of his parents, Michael Logan and Rachel Walker, four years ago. Walker admitted to shooting and killing his parents inside their home. In addition to the murder charges, he was also charged with possession of an explosive device in March 2019.
Forensic psychologist Dr. Shawn Roberson conducted extensive evaluations of Walker at the Oklahoma County Detention Center over a four-day period. In September 2020, Dr. Roberson concluded that Walker met the criteria for not guilty by reason of mental illness. According to Dr. Roberson, at the time of the offense, Walker was mentally ill and unable to differentiate between right and wrong, as well as understand the nature and consequences of his actions.
The District Court of Oklahoma County recently accepted the stipulation of the state and the defendant based on Dr. Roberson’s report. However, Walker will not be released immediately. The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services ordered him to undergo an examination. Walker is scheduled to be delivered to the facility within the next ten days and can only be released after a judicial determination that he is no longer a danger to public peace and safety.
