Ex-football player accused in slaying of cheerleader ex-girlfriend released on bond
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A former Tennessee Division III football player facing a first-degree murder charge in his ex-girlfriend’s death has been released from custody after posting bond.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Hillary Martin confirmed Monday that William Riley Gaul has been released from the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. Gaul has a Feb. 13 court date.
Gaul was a freshman receiver for Maryville College last November when he was arrested in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Emma Walker. Gaul was dismissed from the team after the arrest.
Gaul was indicted this month on counts of first-degree murder, especially aggravated stalking, theft, tampering with evidence, reckless endangerment, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony and felony murder. Bond was set at $1 million.
Sheriff’s officials said Walker was found dead inside her house Nov. 21. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office says Walker broke off a relationship with Gaul about two weeks before Gaul allegedly fired shots into her bedroom from outside her house while she slept in her bedroom.
Walker was a student at Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she was reportedly a cheerleader. Maryville’s football roster indicates Gaul graduated from Central High.
Jenny Weldon, Walker’s aunt, told the Knoxville News Sentinel in November the girl had ended a romantic relationship with Gaul in recent weeks, but he refused to accept the breakup.
“She had chosen to move on,” Weldon told the paper. “He refused to accept it. He chose not to accept her wishes.”