Walthill Woman Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Dawnika Walker, age 30, of Walthill, Nebraska, was sentenced on November 20, 2024, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Walker to 80 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Walker’s release from prison, she will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Judge Buescher also ordered Walker to pay approximately $23,000 in restitution to the deceased victim’s family.

In February 2024, Walker was driving a minivan on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska when she struck and killed a 63-year-old male motorcyclist on US Highway 75. Through lab testing, law enforcement determined Walker had been intoxicated well above the legal limit in Nebraska. Walker struck the victim motorcyclist while attempting a left turn, even though she lacked the right of way. Walker has multiple prior convictions for driving while under the influence, a major factor cited by Judge Buescher when handing down Walker’s 80-month sentence.

This case was prosecuted in federal court because the offense was a felony and occurred on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.