A Kentucky man has been sentenced to 40 years behind bars for fatally striking a 10-year-old boy who was on his way to shop for his upcoming 11th birthday during a high-speed police chase in 2023.

Tymetrius Walter was sentenced on July 1 after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including vehicular homicide while under the influence, assault, receiving stolen property, wanton endangerment, and fleeing or evading police.

What Happened

On September 16, 2023, Walter allegedly fled from a state trooper in a stolen vehicle following an attempted traffic stop. The high-speed chase along I-71 in Campbellsburg ended when Walter’s vehicle collided with an SUV carrying 10-year-old Jake John Lewis Luxemburger and his grandmother, Teri Portnoy. Jake was killed in the crash, and his grandmother was also injured.

At the time of the tragedy, Jake was just nine days away from his 11th birthday and was excited to go shopping with his visiting grandmother.

Emotional Sentencing

During the sentencing hearing, Jake’s mother, Kathryn Luxemburger, shared a heartbreaking final conversation she had with her son:

“No more sweatshirts! You have so many.” He yelled back, “Love you, Mom!” She replied, “I love you too, buddy.”

Kathryn also addressed Walter directly in court, stating:

“You made the choice to run from the police. You made the choice to put your own desire to avoid being caught above every life around you… Jake will never get that opportunity. His sentence is permanent and our sentence is permanent.”

Jake’s grandmother, Teri Portnoy, described the horrifying moment of the crash in a written statement read aloud in court. She recalled trying to speak to Jake as his hand fell in front of her and his fingernails began turning blue.

Walter apologized in court, saying:

“I am truly sorry for what I took… That day also changed my life as well. I apologize for my own actions that led to this.”

Original Charges

Walter was initially charged with murder but the charge was reduced to vehicular homicide as part of a plea agreement.

This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of fleeing police and the permanent pain left behind for the victim’s family.