A Brookhaven man is on his way to prison after admitting to hisparticipation in the 2009 hold-up of a local conveniencestore.

David Walker, 20, of 226 South Washington St., pleaded guiltyTuesday to charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery forhis role as the lookout man in the Oct. 21, 2009 robbery of CityMart No. 2 on North Jackson Street.

Circuit Judge Mike Taylor accepted the state’s recommendations forsentencing and assigned Walker to serve 15 years, with seven yearssuspended, and five years of post-release supervision on the chargeof robbery. A further five years were added for conspiracy tocommit robbery.

Both sentences will run together for an eight-year prison term.Walker was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and $1,500 to avictims’ compensation fund.

Assistant District Attorney Diane Jones told the court Walker wasposted outside while a pair of accomplices – Lawerance A. Wilson ofBrookhaven and Daniel K. Brown of California – allegedly committedthe robbery.

“Police noticed Mr. Walker in the parking lot appearing to act as alookout. He went for his car when Capt. (Bobby) Bell approached andwas eventually pulled over,” Jones said.

One of Walker’s accomplices fled on foot with the cash and waseventually caught. A third suspect hid himself in the store and waslikewise discovered by police.

Wilson remains in the Lincoln County Jail and is awaitingsentencing. Brown is incarcerated in California, and localofficials are waiting for his extradition.

Walker expressed his regret over his actions during an address tothe court after sentencing.

“I know I made a mistake and ever since that day I’ve tried tochange my life. I’ve been in church and I’m doing what I’m supposedto do,” he said.

Taylor told Walker the mistake was already made and punishment due,but applauded his efforts and wished him luck in the future.

“Part of changing is doing what you did today – acceptingresponsibility for your actions and taking steps to change yourlife,” the judge replied.

Walker was previously a suspect in the April 24, 2010 shooting androbbery of 86-year-old Eva Pullen, who was shot multiple times androbbed of her purse while she sat in her vehicle near Fred’s indowntown Brookhaven on a Saturday morning.

David Walker and his brother, 21-year-old Quincy Walker, werearrested later that day and charged with the crime. On Nov. 9 lastyear, Quincy Walker was sentenced to 40 years in prison afterpleading guilty to armed robbery, aggravated assault andconspiracy.

But Brookhaven Municipal Judge Raymond Boutwell released theyounger Walker from custody on June 1 last year after determiningthere wasn’t enough evidence to hold him. He was never indicted forthe Pullen shooting and a second suspect was neveridentified.

“Whenever we get enough evidence to prove who the other person was,we will prosecute the case,” said District Attorney Dee Bates.”(The robbery case) doesn’t have anything to do with thatparticular shooting.”