
Inset: Sabrina Walker. Background: Police in Douglasville, Georgia, investigate her death, allegedly at the hands of her husband (WAGA).
Cops in Georgia say they shot an armed man who killed his wife a day before her birthday — just as she was set to open a newly renovated barbershop.
Volanta Lejuan Walker, 51, is accused of shooting and killing 56-year-old Sabrina Walker in Douglasville, which is some 20 miles west of Atlanta. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said in a press release the couple was arguing at their home when Sabrina Walker ran outside. The husband allegedly chased her down and shot her dead.
He remained armed after officers from Douglasville police responded around 9:30 p.m. to the home on Littlebrook Way and saw Sabrina Walker lying on the ground, cops said. Police ordered him to drop the gun, but he allegedly pointed it at them. An officer shot him, per the press release. Paramedics rushed Volanta Walker to the hospital for treatment. They pronounced Sabrina Walker dead on scene.
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Police have not formally charged Volanta Walker with murder. In addition to the homicide, GBI agents also are investigating the officer-involved shooting. The agency will forward its findings to the Douglas County District Attorney”s Office for review.
Sabrina Walker was slated to celebrate her 57th birthday on Sunday as well as open her updated barbershop, Groomsmen Atlanta, her family told local Fox affiliate WAGA. Despite the tragedy, her family held the grand opening in her honor. She owned the barbershop since 2009 but recently remodeled and expanded the business.
“It feels like somebody is missing,” her daughter Anesha Nixon told the TV station. “It really feels like her presence needs to be here — her bubbly, her running around talking to people. It doesn’t feel right. It feels like she needs to be here.”
Another daughter, Michaella Barnswell, said opening the barbershop is what her mother would have wanted.
“My mama put her blood, sweat and tears into this business, and we’re going to outlive her legacy,” she said.