Johnny Walker, 44, was a well-known Gainesville hairstylist remembered by family and clients as outgoing, generous, and deeply involved in his community. He owned a salon after cosmetology school and also worked as an executive assistant for a local healthcare provider. Visiting Cynthia Chestnut Park every Sunday to relax and listen to music was part of his routine.

On the evening of September 17, 2023, a 911 caller reported several gunshots in the park parking lot at 2315 SE 35th St. Deputies found Walker lying motionless with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to UF Health Trauma Center and pronounced dead. His gold BMW sedan was missing from the scene.

The next morning an Ocala officer spotted that BMW on U.S. Highway 441. Deputies from Alachua and Marion counties stopped the vehicle after the driver, identified as Javon Barclay, 28, refused to stop and led them on a short chase that ended with a PIT maneuver. Barclay was taken into custody and initially charged with fleeing law enforcement and driving with a suspended license. Detectives continued to investigate Barclay’s connection to Walker’s homicide.

Does anyone have information about Walker’s routine at the park or the missing BMW that could help investigators?