William Riley Gaul, a freshman wide receiver for Maryville College in Tennessee, has been charged with first-degree murder after his ex-girlfriend was found fatally shot in her bedroom.
Emma Jane Walker, 16, was a junior cheerleader at nearby Central High School in Knoxville. According to police, Walker’s body was found Monday morning and she appeared to have been shot from outside her house while she slept. Her aunt said Walker recently broke up with Gaul.
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"She had chosen to move on," Jenny Weldon said, via the Knoxville News Sentinel. "He refused to accept it. He chose not to accept her wishes."
Shortly after Walker's body was found, Gaul lamented her death on social media.
That's my beautiful Emma. Rest easy now sweetheart. 1 Corinthians 13:8. Be sure to remind God about our verse.I love you.Forever and always. pic.twitter.com/gD2stHbY3z
— Riley (@rileygaul) November 21, 2016
Police immediately began surveillance on Gaul after Walker’s body was found. He was taken into custody with bond set at $750,000. He has been released from the Maryville football team.