Remembering Joseph Walker: Loved ones and strangers turn out for vigil



RACINE (WITI) -- Loved ones gathered in Racine on Thursday, June 5th to remember 47-year-old Joseph Walker -- shot and killed early Saturday morning, May 31st at the American Legion tavern on Douglas Avenue as the bar was robbed at gunpoint. This, as two suspects remain at large.

FOX6 News is told Joseph Walker leaves behind five children.

Joseph Walker



Walker's loved ones -- and some who never met him gathered on Thursday evening outside the American Legion tavern -- where they lit candles and said prayers in Walker's honor.

"I just really appreciate everyone coming out because, you know, I really love my brother," Walker's sister, Cynthia Hughes said.

For the first time on Thursday, FOX6 News got a glimpse inside the bar -- where a bullet hole remains.

Police say on Saturday morning, May 31st -- at least one person with a gun tried to rob the tavern.

Walker's family believes a warning shot was fired -- and killed Walker.

"It hurts really, really, really bad, you know," Hughes said.

“He was just…he was a sweet person,” Walker’s mother, Beulah said.

Family members tell FOX6 News Joseph Walker told them he was going to step out for a few — and he would be back home.

“The first shot I guess was supped to be the warning shot and that’s the one that got my son,” Walker’s mother Beulah said.

Walker’s death is made even more difficult for Beulah, as she lost another son to cancer back in 2012.

But the disease gave the family warning. Saturday’s bullets did not.

“It’s hard to get through that because it’s like reliving that part all over again,” Walker’s mother, Beulah said.

Police have put out the call to all businesses or homes nearby to share their surveillance video with police.

Walker’s family is left hoping justice is served.

“I hope they do. I hope they do. I hope someone who actually knows what’s going on will do the right thing and actually turn them in,” Walker’s mother Beulah said.

Racine bar managers tell FOX6 News they’ve seen police making more frequent bar checks since this string of bar robberies began.

Racine Police investigators are interested in any additional information that you may have about this crime. You are urged to call the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635- 7756.

You may also contact Crimestoppers at 262-636-9330, or by texting RACS plus the message to CRIMES (274637) and referring to Tipsoft I.D. #TIP417 with your text message.