North Texas jury determines man is habitual meth offender, sentences him to 99 years
A Parker County jury on Wednesday determined a man convicted of two methamphetamine offenses earlier in 2019 is a habitual offender and sentenced him to 99 years in prison.
Donald Wayne Walker, 50, of Springtown, was caught on two occasions in January delivering meth to an undercover informant, according to a press release from Parker County Assistant District Attorney Jeff Swain. Prosecutors submitted records during his trial showing he’s had a combined 52 years of previous prison sentences and eight felony convictions.
Among those convictions are possession of certain chemicals with intent to manufacture meth and attempting to manufacture meth, the release states. Walker was also convicted on two burglary of a building cases and two theft cases, as well as the charges of endangering a child and evading arrest with a vehicle.
He was on parole for a 20-year sentence in January during the alleged offenses, though he testified he was only required to serve three years, according to the release.
Swain said in the release Walker’s criminal history “spanned the lives of his seven children.”
“He has demonstrated since his first felony 34 years ago that he is just not going to change,” he said. “He has been on probation, to prison, through rehab, and had kids, any of which could have been a wakeup call to change his life. None of that worked for him.”
The 99-year sentence reflected the belief held by Parker County prosecutors that Walker has been afforded plenty of chances to stop committing crimes.
Jurors deliberated 20 minutes Wednesday before deciding to convict Walker, according to the release. They reportedly spoke for roughly an hour during the punishment stage before presenting their verdict.
During the trial, jurors listened to audio of the first occasion Walker delivered meth to the undercover informant as well as watched video of the second occasion, the release states.
Travis Warner, another Parker County assistant district attorney, said in the release he was struck by how brazen Walker was in his dealing, “like it was no big deal.” He told the jury Walker has more experience in felony jury trials than he does, the release states.
Walker will become eligible for parole when his actual time served plus his good time credit equals 15 years, Swain said in the release.
This story was originally published December 18, 2019 at 5:58 PM.
