They d had a tumultuous relationship while dating, court records show. At the time of the murder, Gaul was attending Maryville College.
Authorities portrayed him as a jealous and possessive ex-boyfriend who harassed Walker. She was shot through a wall of her home as she slept.
Gaul s attorney, Wesley Stone, filed a motion to acquit the young man or give him a new trial three years ago. Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee retired in late 2019 and then COVID-19 hit.
Stone has raised numerous reasons why his client should be acquitted or given another trial including the jury not being sequestered for a case that drew national attention, a crime scene photograph of Watson, objection to coverage by Law and Crime and McGee s refusal to toss some of the grand jury s counts against Gaul.