Who Is Angela Walker?
Angela Walker, once convicted of manslaughter in the death of a Canadian tourist, has been elected to the Bangor City Council in Maine, a town that inspired Stephen King's It.
Background and Conviction
Walker, along with her brother Benjamin Humphrey, pleaded guilty in 2002 to manslaughter in the death of Derek Rogers, a Canadian tourist. The incident took place in Old Orchard Beach during a fight allegedly sparked by Rogers using a derogatory term against Native American women. Rogers was found brutally beaten and suffocated with sand.
Election to City Council
Running as an independent, Walker was elected on Tuesday to serve a three-year term on the Bangor City Council. Bangor does not have laws barring residents with criminal records from running for public office. Walker was one of three candidates supported by the progressive Maine nonprofit Food and Medicine.
Walker’s Reflection
“I don't live there anymore and I'm a different person,” Walker stated, addressing her past. She also admitted to perjury and was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Controversy and Eligibility
Her criminal history has raised questions about her suitability for office, but legally she remains eligible to serve.
Additional Details
- At the time of conviction in 2003, she used her maiden name, Humphrey.
- The case and her election have drawn local media attention, including coverage by the Bangor Daily News.
Author’s summary: Angela Walker’s election to Bangor’s city council, despite her manslaughter conviction and prison sentence, highlights ongoing debates about redemption and eligibility for public office.