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Suspect in Parkland crash appears in court

Christopher Walker came into court shackled to a wheelchair and made an obscene gesture at news cameras. Moments later he launched into a profanity-laced tirade when Pierce County Superior Court commissioner Meghan Foley told him he was ordered to stay away from his mother's home.

“Shut the f**k up I’m talking!,” Walker shouted. Foley addressed the corrections officers saying, “move him.”

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The 37-year-old Walker faces charges he rammed his wife's car and threatened to kill her days after she got a court order telling him to stay away. Walker's sister Marilyn Peetz defended him saying he needs help, but that she believes he's guilty of trying to hurt or kill his wife.

“Yeah, if there’s witnesses. I wasn’t there, but I do believe he did it,” said Peetz, adding she thinks her brother is dangerous.

According to charges, Walker got into a fight with his wife outside his mother's apartment in Parkland Sunday. She told the two to leave. Investigators say Walker rammed his wife’s car as they drove away critically injuring her. Walker was also injured. He was treated and released to face arraignment.

“Who he is now, I don’t know who that is, I honestly don’t,” said Angela Gordon. Gordon was once married to Walker and has a 9-year-old daughter with him. Gordon said he has changed dramatically  because of substance abuse. Because of his criminal record Walker would have three strikes if convicted, meaning he could be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or release.

Gordon said that may be the best option for him. “At least I know he’s safe. At least I know he’s not on drugs. At least I know our daughter can at least write him,” Gordon said.

Walker pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and violating a restraining order. He was ordered held on $500,000 bail.

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