Mother charged with killing babysitter

SMITH COUNTY, TX (KLTV) - By Layron Livingston - bio | email
Posted by Ellen Krafve - bio | email | Twitter

SMITH COUNTY, TX (KLTV) - More than a month after a woman's body was found burned and abandoned along a Smith County road, investigators have arrested a suspect.

Authorities say there is enough evidence that now links Kimberly Cargill to Cherry Walker's murder. Cargill was arraigned Friday morning and remains in jail on $1,500,000 bond.

For Kimberly Cargill it is a tale of two court cases.

"Kim Cargill intentionally took the life of Cherry Walker in retaliation for Ms. Walker's status as a potential witness against Cargill," said Smith County District Attorney Matt Bingham.

The arrest affidavit reveals the victim, Cherry Walker used to babysit for Kimberly Cargill. Cargill was arrested in March and indicted last month for allegedly abusing her four-year-old son. On Friday, June 18th, Walker was subpoenaed to testify against Cargill. The next day, Walker's body was found along a Smith County road.

"Right now, the investigation is ongoing, but I can't get into specifics if there's anyone else involved," said Bingham.

Cargill appeared in court, Friday morning, but authorities say it was her behavior in the jail that raised their suspicions. The affidavit notes three phone calls Cargill made from jail to people to help her get rid of evidence from her home in Whitehouse. In one of those phone calls, Cargill asks about clothes left at the foot of her bed - clothes she was wearing the night Walker disappeared. Authorities say those clothes have no relevance to a child abuse case.

"She was really on her way," said Rueon Walker, Cherry's stepmom.

The news of the arrest was welcomed relief for Cherry's parents.

"Our daughter was innocent," said Gethry Walker, Cherry's dad. "She wasn't bothering anybody."

"I hope in her heart...and her mind that she finds some place where she can come to grips with what she has done...and acknowledge what she has done and say that I'm sorry," said Rueon Walker.

The Walkers say their faith is what carried them through the past month.

"We have to forgive one another," said Gethry Walker.

They are faithful justice will be served.

Authorities say evidence from the crime scene was tested and came back positive with Cargill's DNA.

Previous Stories:
Cargill Arrest Affidavit
Murder victim was set to testify
Parents worst fears confirmed with the loss of their daughter
Body found in Smith County may have been burned
Smith County authorities need help identifying woman's body