Emma Walker Case, 2016, Knoxville, Tennessee
Teen Relationship Turned Deadly
16-year-old William Riley Gaul was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend, 16-year-old Emma Walker. Their relationship had recently ended, which led to Gaul’s fatal decision driven by jealousy and anger, shocking their community and peers.
Details and Impact
On November 21, 2016, Gaul shot Walker through her bedroom window while she was asleep. The case drew significant media attention and highlighted issues of teen dating violence and the importance of recognizing warning signs in troubled relationships.