Sonniman Walker, the man accused of killing an American national in March 2020, was sentenced to 13 years in prison when he appeared in the St James Circuit Court on Friday.

Walker, who is also known as ‘Shortman’, was on the run for more than a year. But, in May 2021, several lines of investigation reignited, and he was featured on the Jamaica Constabulary Force ‘Wanted Wednesdays’ campaign on May 12. Two days later, he was nabbed in Rocky Point, Clarendon.

Investigators said that based on information gathered, Walker was attempting to flee to Haiti.

Walker was formally charged with murder and robbery with aggravation. However, he pleaded guilty to the lesser charges of manslaughter and simple larceny. He was sentenced to 12 years on the charge of manslaughter and one year on the simple larceny charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Du-Wayne Dixon, who is in charge of the Area One Major Investigations Division (MID), commended his team and the supporting force experts who helped to build a strong case.

“Our team at Area One MID pursued every line of investigation relentlessly,” he said. “We also received tremendous support from the St James Division and the Technical Services Division. I want to make special mention of Detective Corporal Logan Thomas from the Criminal Records Office, whose expertise in the area of latent print examination was a key factor in the case,” he said.