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Murder verdict helpful to mom
Fredericksburg mom coping after trial in daughter's murder leads to conviction
Date published: 11/4/2008
BY ELLEN BILTZ Dawn Walsh is taking steps to get back to normal, or at least normal as she knows it. The Fredericksburg mom's world was forever changed about a year and half ago when her daughter, Danielle Wilson, was shot and killed. Last week, a Henrico County jury, found the man Wilson was dating at the time, Wyatt Ward Hollar, 28, guilty of second-degree murder. Hollar was then sentenced to 15 years in prison. "The death of Danielle isn't over," Walsh said. "But the trial is. Now it's just trying to accept the new life." Wilson was killed Feb. 11, 2007, after a night of arguing with Hollar at a bar, in a taxi and then again back at Hollar's apartment, evidence in last week's trial showed. The night of Wilson's death, Ward dialed 911 to tell police the 26-year-old woman had shot herself in the chest. But Feb. 20, 2008, more than a year after the shooting, Henrico County authorities charged Hollar with Wilson's murder. Walsh said that since the night of her daughter's death, she has never questioned the slaying. "I was very positive since the beginning that she had not done it," she said. Michael Feinmel, the Henrico prosecutor who handled Hollar's case, said yesterday that he was pleased with the trial's result. "We set out to prove that Danielle Wilson didn't kill herself," he said. "And I'm proud we were able to achieve that." Feinmel said he felt that the forensic and ballistic evidence shown to the jury was what convinced them there was no way Wilson could have shot herself in the heart. "The distance would not have been right," he said of the space between the gun and Wilson's chest at the time she was shot. Walsh said while she's very grateful of the prosecution, she doesn't feel as much closure as she'd hoped for. "This doesn't make me feel better. My baby's still gone," she said. Walsh said she's just thankful for the support she and her family have seen for Wilson, who grew up in Fredericksburg and graduated from James Monroe High School before going to James Madison University. She graduated from JMU in 2004. Family and friends filled the courtroom last week for the four-day trial, and Walsh said she knows it's still going to be a hard road for a lot of people, including herself. "It's exhausting and emotional," she said. "I'm still going to take it day by day." Ellen Biltz: 540/374-5424
Date published: 11/4/2008
Standing up for a friend
(posted by
Friend4life
, Nov. 19, 2008 4:57 am)
I will be the first to admit Wyatt can be an a**... but I will tell you he is a good person. This incident is horrible. I feel for Danielle's family at the same time I feel for Wyatt's family too. I worked with Wyatt in Baghdad, and have trusted him with my life numerous times, and would do it again today. I also know if he did this, he would have said he did it, and took responsiblity for his actions. This whole situation is sad. I hope all will find peace.
The FACTS are:
(posted by
The_Facts
, Nov. 6, 2008 12:13 pm)
Hollar was found guilty of 2nd degree murder which carries a possible sentence of 5 to 40 years. The Jury sentenced him to 12 years for Danielle's murder. There is an additional automatic 3 years for commiting a felony with a firearm in Virginia. 12 + 3 = 15 years. No chance of parole under these conditions. This is not near enough for what he has done and the permanent impact on so many lives. Pleae continue to pray for Dawn, Danielle's brother Chris and their many friends in the Fredericksburg area.
things just dont make sense
(posted by
returninghome
, Nov. 4, 2008 11:33 am)
sad to have read in paper the Minster that embezzled had 100 yrs and jail and to kill this beautiful intelligent woman gets 15 yrs
my heart goes out to the family let just hope the Murder gets his dues while being in Jail
The Trial
(posted by
WolfCub
, Nov. 4, 2008 8:33 am)
I am a very good friend of Dawn and I knew Danielle well. The 2nd degree murder conviction was legally the best that could have been hoped for, because 1st degree requires "premeditation." Though Hollar will be out in 15 yrs, and will be only "45,: he will be forever stamped as a killer.
Hey AVK...
(posted by
sleeplessnites
, Nov. 4, 2008 7:38 am)
Check your facts. A jury sentenced him. Not the prosecutor. The prosecutor deserves tremendous credit for successfully prosecuting what seems like it was a difficult case to begin with. I will say a prayer for Ms. Walsh's family.
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