Beating suspect faces new charges

By Donna Hales
Phoenix Staff Writer

Fri, May 16 2008

— A man arrested for allegedly beating the mother of two of his children must remain jailed without bond, Special District Judge Robin Adair ruled Monday.
Julius Jerome Walker, 31, of Muskogee allegedly beat Ronica Pickens, 24, in the head, assaulted her with his fists and a knife Saturday. Walker allegedly used his vehicle to ram Pickens’ car when she fled with one of the couple’s two children.
Walker will face 10 new felony charges today, Muskogee County District Attorney Larry Moore told Adair on Monday while requesting Walker continue to be held without bond.
Muskogee Police Capt. Scott Shields said it was the worst assault against a woman that he had seen during his career. He also said Pickens was expected to be released from a Tulsa hospital Monday night.
“She will need extensive facial surgery,” Shields said.
The brunt of her beating and puncture wounds evidently was in the head and face, Shields said.
Moore told Adair he anticipates filing:
• Four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (an auto).
• Four counts of child abuse.
• One count of assault and battery with a deadly weapon (a knife).
• One count of aggravated assault.
Records reflect Walker has been convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon earlier, possession of and intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, and another case of distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.
That could enhance punishment for any felony convictions Walker might receive if found guilty of the new felonies.
Police said part of a knife, believed to have been used on Pickens, was found at the scene of the beating.
Reach Donna Hales at 918-684-2923 or Click Here to Send Email