Brevard County, Fla. — A Brevard County judge resentenced a convicted killer to life in prison without the possibility of parole after his death sentence was
overturned by the Florida Supreme Court.
Robert Shannon Walker II was convicted in 2004 of killing David Hamman and was originally sentenced to die by lethal injection after a
jury recommended death.
Nine years after the killing, the family of the 28 year old Palm Bay man was back in court still trying to ensure they got justice.
“If you deserve the death penalty, you deserve the death penalty," Michelle Hamman, the victim’s sister said outside the courtoom.
Walker was convicted of beating Hamman and then stripped him down to just his socks and tortured him.
Walker mistakenly believed Hamman was wearing a wire for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Hamman 's body was found near the gates of the Tom Lawton Recreation Area. He was shot six times in the face.
Walker's original attorney however never told the jury about Walker's exposure to drugs while growing up which the Supreme Court said should have been considered by the jury in the sentencing phase of the trial.
Hamman's sister told the court its a sign the justice system is broken.
“I fear that this decision will open the door to others that are accused who will cry foul and demand lesser sentences based on weak excuses."
Walker never apologized or even took responsibility for the murder. Before being led away, he told the court, "I would just like to go ahead because it's the right
thing to do and waive any further appeals right now."
With his new life sentence, there are no more appeals.