Walker Sentenced to 140 Years for Murder of Janiya Carr

Tevis Walker received a 140-year prison sentence on Thursday for the 2023 murder and sexual assault of 15-year-old Janiya Carr in Indianapolis.

A Marion County jury found Walker guilty in September of murder, felony murder, two counts of rape, and three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. Walker also pleaded guilty to a habitual offender sentencing enhancement. Carr’s body was discovered on Nov. 1, 2023, in a wooded area near the Carriage House East apartment complex on the city’s northeast side. She had been reported missing on Oct. 28, after surveillance video showed her entering a black Kia Optima registered to Walker around 4:30 a.m.

Walker worked as a maintenance worker at the complex and lived there. Investigators reviewed footage of the vehicle returning to the property and driving near the scene where Carr’s body was found. Video also placed Walker near the car. Police later recovered his DNA from Carr. During a detective interview, Walker stated he picked up Carr to buy an iPad but claimed the seller did not show. He said he drove her back to the complex before requesting an attorney. Walker was arrested the day after Carr’s body was found.

Carr attended Arsenal Technical High School and was weeks from turning 16. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears noted that the sentence cannot undo the family’s loss but expressed hope it offers some comfort. “Our prosecutors stood up for a young girl who could no longer stand up for herself and worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable,” Mears said.

Walker will serve his sentence in state prison.