Killer pleads guilty in death of woman shot while walking dog

CLEVELAND (WJW) — Only a Fox 8 I-Team camera rolled as a defendant entered guilty pleas to charges in connection with the shooting death of a 58-year-old woman who was walking her dog in a park.

It was on Jan. 17, 2019, that Shelia Wallace was walking her dog in McGowan Park and was shot and killed by one of two young men that she just happened to cross paths with in the park.

On Wednesday, DaJuan Evans entered guilty pleas to charges of involuntary manslaughter and felonious assault.

Shortly after the plea, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Nancy Margaret Russo sentenced Evans to 15 years in prison.

Evans’ attorney said he is sorry for what happened.

Evans did not know Wallace and a motive for the shooting was not disclosed.

Katie Wallace, Wallace’s daughter, said the family accepted the plea because that is what her mother would have wanted.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Mike O’Malley said he was glad justice was served. He credits the hard work of the Cleveland Homicide detectives who never gave up in the case.

“We are glad the family now has closure,” O’Malley said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.