BANGOR, MAINE - Angela Walker, who was convicted for the 2002 manslaughter of a Canadian tourist, was elected to the Bangor City Council on Tuesday.
Walker, who ran without a political party affiliation, secured one of three available three-year terms on the council.
The Conviction and Sentence
Walker, then known by her maiden name, Humphrey, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and perjury charges in 2003 for the death of Derek Rogers, 35, in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
The incident began with a fight after Rogers allegedly directed a racial insult toward Walker. Rogers was later found severely beaten and suffocated with sand shoved down his throat.
Walker and her brother, Benjamin Humphrey, pleaded guilty in connection with Rogers' death. She received a 10-year prison sentence.
The Campaign and Public Backlash
There is currently no law in Bangor preventing a resident with a criminal record from running for office. Walker's campaign was sponsored by the politically progressive Maine nonprofit Food and Medicine.
Her election sparked backlash online, with users on the platform X (formerly Twitter) questioning the voters' decision.
One user posted, “America is so broken. Voters in Maine elected Angela Walker, a violent murderer, as a new city councilor.”
Walker's Response and Unique Perspective
Walker, who has lived in Bangor for 13 years, has been open about her criminal past, as well as her recovery from addiction and previous homelessness, stating she believes her experiences offer a unique and valuable perspective.
Responding to the criticism, Walker told the Bangor Daily News, “That’s my past. I don’t live there anymore, and I’m a different person,” she told the Bangor Daily News. “I want people to see that it’s possible to change.”
Walker was one of three new councilmembers elected, securing 2,231 votes, which was the fewest among the winning nominees. The nine-person council will hold a vote to select a chair, who functions as the city's primary leader.
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