Going West: True Crime – Episode 556

Case: Emma Walker
Release Date: November 21, 2025
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft & Heath Merryman

Episode Overview

This episode of Going West: True Crime explores the tragic case of Emma Walker, a 16-year-old high school student from Knoxville, Tennessee, whose promising life was cut short in November 2016. Hosts Daphne and Heath discuss not only the haunting details leading up to Emma's murder but also use the story as a cautionary tale about the dangers of escalating stalking, controlling behavior, and domestic violence—particularly for younger listeners and parents. Through their storytelling, they highlight the warning signs present in Emma’s relationship with ex-boyfriend Riley Gaul, ultimately encouraging vigilance and awareness in recognizing manipulative or obsessive behaviors.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Emma Walker: Background & Early Life (03:57–07:00)

• Emma Walker, born in 2000, grew up in a loving family in Fountain City, Knoxville.
• She was popular, spirited, academically high-achieving, and actively involved in extracurriculars—cheerleading, volunteer work, and aspiring to be a neonatal nurse.
• Quotes from friends and family highlighted her warmth and kindness.
  • “She liked to make people laugh…” – Jill, Emma's mom (03:57)
  • “She really took cheerleading seriously—she loved leading…” – Laura Hutton, friend (06:18)
  • "People who didn't know her… would say, 'She's the prettiest cheerleader,' but then they'd meet her and say, 'She's the nicest person.'" – Keegan, friend

The Relationship: Emma and Riley Gaul (07:00–16:10)

• Riley was two years older, a football player, and initially well-liked, described as the “boy next door.”
• The relationship quickly revealed red flags: Riley was possessive, controlling, and increasingly isolated Emma from family and friends.
  • “He got more possessive and more clingy, wouldn’t let her do certain things…” – Lauren, friend (09:45)
• Daphne and Heath discuss how manipulative partners may initially seem charming, drawing parallels to the film “Fear” (10:34–11:27).
• Emma’s parents began noticing changes: their daughter grew more withdrawn, and Riley’s threats on social media crossed severe lines (13:42).
• A particularly alarming threat from Riley on Snapchat:
  “I hate you. I hate everything about you. Then you're dead to me. I'll check the obituary. F**k you.” (13:42)

Escalation: Stalking & Manipulation (14:56–18:15)

• Repeated efforts by Emma’s family to end contact (banning Riley, monitoring devices), but Riley found workarounds (e.g., an iPod Touch for secret texting).
• Riley showed up at Emma’s school functions and church, tried to turn her against her family, and employed classic manipulative tactics.
  • “He even tried to breed resentment between Emma and her family, telling her they’d never be there for her like he would.” (15:29)
• Friends observed Riley’s behaviors growing more erratic, but no one could stop him (16:45).
• Despite the breakup in fall 2016, Riley refused to let go, continuing aggressive efforts to maintain contact.

The Weekend of the Crime (18:15–24:00)

• Friday, Nov 18: Emma received ominous anonymous texts at a party:
  • “Go to your car with your keys. Go alone. I’ve got someone you love. If you don’t comply, I will hurt them.” (18:15)
  • Friends escorted her outside—nothing was found.
  • Another text followed: “What do you not understand about coming outside alone?” (18:38)
• Riley was soon found lying face down in a ditch, claiming abduction and amnesia—an obvious ploy according to hosts.
  • “This is a desperate ploy of manipulation.” – Host Sam (20:14)
• Saturday, Nov 19: Emma spotted a man in black stalking her house; she called Riley for help, who coincidentally was already nearby—consistent with his staged hero tactics (21:15).
  • Riley recalled:
    “She was asking if it was me at first, and I told her no, what’s going on?... I said… I’ll come check it out.” – Riley (21:56)
• No police reports were filed despite these incidents.

Emma’s Murder (24:02–29:34)

• In the early hours of Monday, Nov 21, Emma’s father heard a loud bang; later that morning, Emma’s body was found by her mother—she had been shot as she slept.
• Forensic evidence: bullets were fired through the wall of her room from outside, with the second shot striking her head directly where she slept. The calculated shooting suggested intimate knowledge of the bedroom layout.
  • “To do the second shot, they would have needed to climb over the fence... it was obviously so plotted out…” – Daphne (31:13)

Investigation & Evidence (33:40–56:04)

Early Suspicions & Riley’s Reaction (33:40–38:09)

• Riley quickly became the primary suspect due to his history with Emma.
• His public grief contrasted sharply with detachment during police questioning.
  • Vigilant social media posts: “You are beautiful… You’re my best friend… I miss you more than anything… Rest easy now, sweetheart.” – Riley on Twitter (36:00–37:26)
  • But in police interviews, he only referred to Emma as “the girl.”
    • “He wouldn’t say her name and instead referred to her only as ‘the girl.’” – Daphne (39:06)
• Admitted he was out in his car the night of the murder, returning to his dorm at 4:30am—contradicted by cell phone records.
• Det. James Hurst noted:
  “When I first met him… I felt like there was a dark side. He didn’t have a whole lot of passion or concern.” (40:18)

Break in the Case & Riley’s Downfall (47:49–54:02)

• Police discovered Riley’s grandfather’s 9mm gun had gone missing after Riley had access to his grandfather’s car.
• Ballistics matched the murder weapon to the missing gun.
• Riley tried to recruit friends Noah Walton and Alex McCarty to dispose of the gun; they went to the police.
• Police staged a sting, wiring the friends with recorders as Riley explained:
  • “I want to be so upset, and I can’t because I’m more worried about getting arrested and put away for a murder I didn’t commit.” – Riley (51:06)
  • “It just needs to be gone for whatever reason, just… needs to be gone.” – Riley (52:15)
• Friends stalled until police intervened, arresting Riley with the gun and black clothes used during the murder in his possession.

Legal Outcomes (56:15–61:49)

• Riley was arrested and held on $750,000 bond, later released on $1 million bail and house arrest.
• Despite social media denials by his mother (“Riley did not do this. He would not hurt her because he loved Emma dearly. He is not a monster.”), the defense ultimately admitted Riley was guilty but claimed he never intended to kill Emma—just to scare her “so she’d need him” (57:22–58:38).
• Prosecution pointed to overwhelming premeditation: Riley fired two carefully aimed shots, after prior escalating behavior and staged threats.
• On May 8, 2018, at age 19, Riley Gaul was sentenced to life in prison without parole for 51 years.

Aftermath & Legacy (61:49–62:51)

• Emma Walker is honored by her community: a scholarship at her high school, a NICU room, and a dog park in her name (61:49).
• Her mother, Jill, channels her grief into advocacy, supporting domestic violence causes and uplifting Emma’s memory.
  • “It makes me feel good to know she was out there doing the right thing and not just following along with what other people did. That says a lot.” – Jill Walker (62:41)
• Daphne and Heath encourage listeners to heed the warning signs in controlling relationships and urge proactive reporting and intervention.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Manipulation and Control:
  "[Riley] got more possessive and more clingy… and wouldn’t let her do certain things. Basically, he started trying to control what she was wearing… who she spent her time with." – Lauren (09:45)
• Movie Parallel:
  “It really has those… feelings where it’s just like this person is trying to control every aspect of their partner.” – Host Sam, on ‘Fear’ (10:44)
• On Parental Vigilance:
  “Her poor parents… they really were trying… they couldn’t have imagined their daughter’s life was in danger.” – Daphne (14:56)
• Riley’s Ambiguous Defense:
  “I’d hurt myself before I’d hurt her.” – Riley during police interview (41:28)
• Friendship & Doing the Right Thing:
  “It was almost the whole time we were like saying goodbye to one of our best friends.” – Alex, on helping the police sting (52:29)
• Host Reflection:
  “He needs to learn how to take ‘no’ for an answer… move on with your life… it’s just sick.” – Daphne (59:27)
• Emma’s Lasting Legacy:
  “There’s a scholarship in her honor at her high school, a room in the local NICU, and even a dog park in her name…” – Daphne (61:49)
• Mother’s Pride:
  “It makes me feel good to know that she was out there doing the right thing and not just following along with what other people did. That says a lot.” – Jill Walker (62:41)

Key Timestamps

• Emma’s Background: 03:57–07:00
• Early Relationships & Red Flags: 07:00–16:10
• Abuse, Manipulation & Stalking: 14:56–18:15
• The Crime Weekend: 18:15–24:00
• Emma’s Murder: 24:02–29:34
• Investigation & Riley's Behavior: 33:40–41:22
• Sting Operation & Evidence: 47:49–54:02
• Trial & Sentence: 56:15–61:49
• Legacy & Call to Action: 61:49–62:51

Tone & Style

Daphne and Heath maintain a compassionate, candid, and occasionally irreverent tone—using pop culture references, voicing deep concern for young people, and empathizing with parents and victims. The narrative is engaging and direct, and takes care not to blame the victim, focusing instead on the importance of recognizing warning signs and community vigilance.

Final Takeaways

• Warning Signs: The episode stresses the importance of recognizing obsessive, controlling, and isolating behaviors in relationships.
• Community Action: Friends do the right thing by assisting police, illustrating the importance of action over loyalty when lives are at stake.
• Legacy: Emma’s story is memorialized through activism and community engagement, serving as both a warning and an inspiration.

For more information or to support Emma Walker’s legacy and anti-domestic violence causes, visit local resources or the episode’s featured social media posts.