Convicted Drunk Driver Who Killed Pedestrian Sentenced to 25 Years to Life

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that the Honorable Patrick Marlette sentenced Paul William Walden to 25-years to life in prison.


On May 13, 2014, a jury convicted Walden of second-degree murder, gross vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, and felony driving under the influence due to three prior convictions for driving under the influence.

On July 16, 2012, 23-year-old Gemily West and her boyfriend, 21-year-old Harison Long- Randall, were walking their four dogs when they were struck down in a crosswalk by a hit-andrun driver. Harison lost part of a leg in the crash and died two weeks later from his injuries. He is credited with stepping in front of Gemily to protect her and push her out of the path of the car. Gemily suffered a broken leg and is still recovering from her injuries. Their four dogs – Bindie, Evie, Winry and Zury – were all killed at the scene.

On July 19, 2012, Paul William Walden was arrested. Police reports state Walden's car was traveling down the two-lane residential street in Carmichaelat an estimated 80 mph when he hit the victims. He never stopped or slowed down and fled the scene.

This case was prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s DUI Vertical Prosecution team, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.