Chris Walters’ family staying strong after his murder in Devonport

Six months ago a “very precious little girl” was left without her loving father after a senseless murder when she was just eight days old. But a touching promise has ensured she will be raised to never forget him.

Six months ago a “very precious little girl” was left without her loving father after a senseless murder when she was just eight days old. But a touching promise has ensured she will be raised to never forget him.

Chris Walters was shot dead inside a Devonport home by Paul Carey in November last year.

The 32-year-old first-time father was the victim of a brazen, merciless act which left his treasured daughter, now six months, without her father.

Leah has since been raised by Mr Walters’ parents, David and Kim, as the family slowly pick up the pieces after their lives were shattered.

“We still don’t have a lot of answers,” family friend Melissa Jackson said.

“When the police knocked on their door and said ‘your only child has been murdered’, it isn’t a good thing.

“David and Kim have taken Leah in their stride. Obviously it’s hard getting used to a baby again but they have done their son very proud. Chris would be looking down at them very grateful.

“He knew they would give her all the warmth and love that she needed.

“It’s hard because they are grieving their son, but trying to move on with their granddaughter at the same time. She’s kept them going.”

Leah is blossoming into a charismatic and attentive girl, something Ms Jackson said she gets from her father.

“She’s beautiful, she’s her father’s daughter and a very precious little girl,” she said.

“Some days I think he’s still here when I look at her.

“She’s very advanced for her age. She eats, drinks and sleeps well. She’s a very happy, well loved baby.

“She has a lot of extended family who were close to Chris and we’ll always be in Leah’s life because it’s all we have left of him. I promised him she would always be looked after.”

Ms Jackson, who was an “adopted second mum” to Mr Walters, said her life had been a “sh-tstorm” since he was killed.

“I look for him everyday, he lived next door to me for a long time.

“He only used to dream of having a family and making his parents grandparents. He was saying ‘all I want to do is be a dad and love someone’ from an early teenager.

“His parents have been together for 36 years and he wanted that.

“To see him experience that for eight days, he was so good. He was just perfect at being a dad.”