Lafayette, LA – The Louisiana Third Circuit Court of Appeal has affirmed the second-degree murder conviction of Zachary Adams, a 40-year-old Opelousas man, in connection with the 2022 slaying of Jalen Walker. The decision was made following an appeal filed by Adams after his conviction in 2024 for the fatal shooting of Walker, a Lafayette resident.
The appellate court, led by Judge Ledricka J. Thierry and joined by Judges Elizabeth A. Pickett and Wilbur L. Stiles, upheld the jury’s decision, reinforcing the original conviction. In its ruling, the court emphasized the gravity of Adams’ actions and the impact on the victim’s family, particularly his three young children.
At Adams’ sentencing hearing, Walker’s mother, Marcel Hoskins, delivered an emotional testimony, describing the devastating loss of her son. Hoskins tearfully recounted how Adams’ actions not only robbed her of her child but also took away a father from his children. Walker, who had been working toward a career as a chef, had dreams of opening a restaurant to provide food for the homeless in the Lafayette community. According to Hoskins, her son had been striving to make a positive difference in the world.
Adams, a convicted felon with a history of violent offenses, including a 2001 second-degree battery conviction tied to a homicide and a 2003 conviction for battery of a correctional officer, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder. His prior criminal record played a significant role in the sentencing and the court’s decision to affirm the conviction.
Under Louisiana law, individuals convicted of serious felonies such as second-degree murder are automatically granted the right to appeal their conviction to the appropriate circuit court of appeal. The decision by the Third Circuit Court marks a crucial moment in the legal process, ensuring that Adams’ conviction remains intact.
The case has garnered significant attention, particularly within the Lafayette area, where the victim’s untimely death has left a profound impact on the community. The family of Jalen Walker continues to mourn the loss, while the legal system upholds the judgment of those responsible for his tragic death.