ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FL – A nationwide alert has been issued for Darryl Walker, who’s wanted in the murder of his wife that took place early on Wednesday morning in Escambia County, Florida. Sheriff Chip Simmons said a warrant has been issued for Walker on a charge of domestic homicide. He is currently at large and is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Sheriff Simmons explained that the number of domestic violence calls tend to surge during this time of year, especially around the holidays. Tracie Hodson from the FavorHouse of Northwest Florida mentioned that there have been ten domestic violence-related homicides in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties since the beginning of the year, seven of which involved firearms.
Currently, the FavorHouse is providing shelter for 30 victims of domestic abuse, including men, women, and children. Hodson pointed out that domestic violence cases, which range from verbal and emotional abuse to severe physical harm, do increase during the holiday season, for reasons yet unknown.
The circumstances of this recent case have given Hodson a heavy heart. “From now on this woman’s family will associate Thanksgiving with her death,” she said. “That breaks my heart for her family and it breaks my heart for all those involved in the situation.”
Hodson encouraged anyone suffering from domestic violence to reach out for help and reminded them that they are not alone in their struggles.
“One of the things we’re hearing is that ‘I thought I was the only one going through this.’ It’s 1-in-3 women and 1-in-4 men who experience an abusive relationship,” she said, asserting that the issue is tragically common and that it often goes unnoticed.