A 23-year-old Fairfax man who shot and killed a friend for allegedly using “black magic” to cast a “curse” has been convicted of murder.
Traivon Dayshad Young was found guilty Thursday of murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in the April 17, 2017 shooting death of 24-year-old Nigel Mendela Walker. Young was sentenced to serve 38 years in prison for murder. Young received an additional five years for the weapons charge. The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Young and Walker had gathered at a third friend’s home in Fairfax, a small town in Allendale County. A witness said they heard a shot and when they came out of a house, they found Walker shot once and Young holding a gun. Young walked toward Walker and fired his gun five more times, striking Young’s legs, back and arms. Young finally got into his truck and slowly drove away.
“The defendant took his close friend’s life in view of three mutual friends, and showed no regret or remorse,” said Reed Evans of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted the case. “I hope that Mr. Walker’s family finds comfort in the jury’s decision.”
Walker was airlifted to an Augusta hospital where he later died of his injuries.
Circuit Court Judge Brooks P. Goldsmith handed down Thursday’s sentence.
Evans is a member of the community prosecution team. He has been with the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office since 2011.
