Portage County, OH - It’s a case that has attracted international attention. Sky Walker. Now, through some exclusive interviews, E-Portage brings you up to date on the arrest, prosecution and incarceration of an autistic man, accused of murdering his own mother.

The Arrest

On Thursday, January 29th, Kent State University professor, Dr. Gertrude Steuernagel was found beaten, laying on the kitchen floor of her Kent, Ohio home after a colleague became concerned when she did not come to work and went to check on her. When Steuernagel did not answer the door, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office was called.

Steuernagel was found on her kitchen floor, badly beaten. She was transported to Akron City Hospital where she was on life support in the Intensive Care Unit.

According Portage County Sheriff, David Doak, Sky Walker, the professor’s adult son, was charged with assault for the attack on his mother and felonious assault for his actions on Deputy Dugan during the arrest. Walker is Autistic.

Last week, Sky Walker, the 18-year-old autistic man who is charged with murdering his mother was arraigned in the Portage County Court of Common Pleas.

According to the Autism Society of America, autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disabilities, effecting about one in every one hundred and fifty births.

Though there is no single known cause or cure, autism is treatable. Children do not “outgrow” autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention can lead to significantly improved outcomes. With the right services and support, people with autism can live full, healthy and meaningful lives.

When Walker was brought into the room where he was to be video arraigned, he appeared combative and was placed in a restraint chair with an over the head spit mask. E-Portage.Us was the only journalists in the room to take a photo of the accused. That photo created controversy around the world, especially in the minds of those connected with the autistic community.

Many people do not understand the system that brings an obviously autistic person, who may not be able to understand his actions and what is happening to him to be put on trial for murder. Throughout the country, on internet posts and water cooler conversations, Portage County Prosecutor, Victor Vigluicci has taken some sharp criticism.

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