Shawn Antonio Walker, a 44-year-old Augusta man wanted in connection with a 2023 murder of a woman and her unborn child, was arrested Wednesday afternoon by members of the Southeastern U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, including officers from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Walker, who had been on the run for over a year, was located at a residence on the 1700 block of Watkins Street at approximately 5:20 p.m., a press release says. When law enforcement officers attempted to make contact with Walker, he refused to comply and barricaded himself inside the home. The RCSO SWAT team was subsequently called to the scene. After a tense standoff, and with the assistance of Walker’s mother, who was present at the residence, authorities were able to apprehend him without incident.
Walker had been wanted for his involvement in the May 22, 2023 shooting that left Shaneikwa Latorya LaFavor dead and two others, including Darius Mayo, severely wounded. LaFavor was killed during the violent incident at a home on East Taylor Street. Mayo, who was also shot 11 times, miraculously survived.
In addition to the murder charge, Walker faced multiple other charges, including two counts of aggravated assault, weapon possession and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Background: A Long Search & Demand for Wanted Poster
The arrest comes after a prolonged search for Walker, which included several public appeals for information. In a previous report from July 2024, Darius Mayo expressed his frustrations over the lack of action by law enforcement, despite multiple visits to the sheriff’s office to provide updates and information about Walker’s whereabouts. Mayo, who was severely injured in the shooting, reported seeing Walker in local bars and hiding out in the community. His emotional plea for justice resonated with many, as he described the devastating impact the attack had on his life, both physically and emotionally.
Mayo was devastated by the lack of urgency under Sheriff Richard Roundtree. “I go down there and provide updates, but nobody ever calls me back,” Mayo told The Jail Report. “I almost lost my life, and she lost her life along with our unborn child. What else do I need to do?”
Mayo’s emotional response highlighted the prolonged pain and confusion many victims’ families experience when faced with slow-moving investigations or unsolved cases. His calls for a wanted poster for Walker went unanswered until after The Jail Report’s story, and it seemed at the time that the case was slipping through the cracks.
However, as of Wednesday, those who had been waiting for justice saw their long vigil end.
The May 2023 Incident
The shooting occurred on the evening of May 22, 2023, when Mayo returned to his home after a weekend trip with his children. He found Walker arguing with LaFavor outside the house, and as Mayo entered the home, Walker allegedly threatened to “shoot up the house.” Moments later, Walker barged inside and opened fire, hitting Mayo multiple times before turning the gun on LaFavor and killing her, as well as their unborn child.
Mayo survived the attack, though he was severely injured, requiring extensive medical treatment over the following months. His recovery has been slow, and he continues to deal with the physical and emotional scars of the traumatic event.
Community Impact
The arrest of Walker has brought a sense of relief to the community and the victims’ families.
Sheriff Gino Brantley expressed his gratitude to all law enforcement personnel involved in Walker’s apprehension: “We sincerely thank the Southeastern U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Road Patrol, and the Crime Suppression Team for their diligent efforts in ensuring a peaceful resolution to this case. Our dedicated team and law enforcement partners continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to victims and to lower violent crime in our community.”
While Walker is now in custody, authorities continue to work on building the case and preparing for upcoming legal proceedings.
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