A suspect has been indicted in connection with the death of a 38-year-old Akron man who was struck and killed by a vehicle in late September. Freddie Lee Walker is facing a felony charge of failure to stop after an accident related to the death of Jesse McCool. The indictment provides the victim's family with some long-awaited answers, though questions regarding the suspect's current release status remain.
According to police, the crash occurred just before 10:30 p.m. on September 26. McCool was crossing South Main Street near East Miller Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle. He was transported to an Akron hospital but passed away the following day. Walker has been served with a summons to appear in Summit County Common Pleas Court on November 20.
Akron police officials stated that technology played a vital role in identifying the vehicle and building the case against Walker. Specifically, an image captured by a Flock license plate reader camera at the intersection of Main and Miller streets helped investigators locate the car. Police noted that Walker eventually admitted to being behind the wheel of a tan Cadillac SRX at the time of the incident.
In the days following the accident, investigators initially appealed to the public for assistance. They first described the vehicle as a black SUV before refining the description to a tan Cadillac SRX with tinted windows and an Ohio license plate starting with the letters KYL. On October 3, police received an anonymous tip stating that Walker was attempting to repair the Cadillac. Investigators subsequently examined electronically stored data from the vehicle, which confirmed it was the one involved in the crash.
Akron Police Lt. Michael Murphy explained that the data allowed them to place the vehicle at the scene of the crime at the specific time of the accident. Murphy acknowledged the ongoing debate regarding how much access law enforcement should have to Flock camera data. However, he emphasized that the technology was crucial in this specific investigation and that the victim's family wanted every available tool utilized to find the responsible party.
Celestine Saunders, McCool's sister, expressed deep emotion about the case. She stated that getting justice for her brother means everything to her and the family. While the indictment is a significant step, Saunders expressed frustration that Walker is not currently in jail while awaiting his court date. She questioned why he is out walking freely when, in her view, he should be behind bars.
Much of the family's anger stems from the allegation that Walker left the scene without stopping to assist McCool. Saunders noted that while the collision itself might have been an accident, the failure to stop and seek help is what causes the most upset. She recalled that McCool was a loving and caring man who lived with mild developmental delays. The family described him as outgoing and family-oriented, adding that he did not drive and loved to walk.
Police records indicate that Walker had a green light when McCool was struck. Investigators have not yet determined why Walker allegedly left the scene. State records show that Walker has previously served time in prison for sex crimes and domestic violence. The family has stated that they have room for forgiveness regarding the accident itself, but the departure from the scene made the situation significantly more difficult to accept.
With the indictment now issued, Saunders said the family feels closer to the accountability they have sought since September. She reflected on how McCool was more than just a brother, serving as an uncle, friend, and cousin to many. For the family, the loss remains painful, but the progress in the legal process offers some measure of closure as they continue to seek justice.
