KC area political candidate defends shooting of contractor in social media post
Lisa Walker-Yeager, a political candidate running for two local government offices in Wyandotte County, took to social media last week to defend herself while facing criminal charges for shooting a contractor last fall during a dispute over payment.
In a Facebook post Friday, Walker-Yeager, a local foundation and neighborhood association leader, maintained that she shot the contractor, Noble Bey, in an attempt to save her daughter’s life and that her financial troubles have better prepared her to lead in Wyandotte County.
Walker-Yeager is headed for the November general election ballot while facing criminal charges of aggravated battery and unlawfully discharging a weapon in city limits after she shot Bey in October 2024.
Although she maintains she shot Bey in defense of herself and her daughter during an aggressive exchange, Wyandotte County prosecutors are arguing otherwise. During a roughly two-hour hearing Thursday, Walker-Yeager and her daughter, Vern’e McClelland, testified that Bey beat McClelland because he was unsatisfied with the $350 check Walker-Yeager wrote him for work on her home. He was expecting $410, according to a video played during the hearing that showed him vocalizing his frustrations to the two.
On Friday evening, Walker-Yeager posted a statement to social media saying that as a prospective government official, it’s important for her to be transparent about the case.
“The incident that occurred was an act of protection for my child. I’ll leave it at that,” Walker-Yeager wrote. “If you are a parent, I know this will resonate with you because I believe you would protect your children at all costs.”
She also commented on documented financial challenges reflected in court documents showing she has been sued, and ruled against, over previous financial disputes.
“You and I both know we in Wyandotte have an uphill battle to fight when it comes (to) financial prosperity,” Walker-Yeager wrote. “I truly believe my past financial challenges are what qualify me for these positions. Because I understand, I’ve been in your shoes when it comes to financial challenges.”
She remains in the running for both board spots so long as she’s not convicted of a felony.
“I love you Wyandotte, and I refuse to let these challenges that are being used against me stop me from fighting for you and your families!” Walker-Yeager wrote.
During last week’s hearing, Judge Michael A. Russell decided attorneys involved in the case must submit findings, facts and conclusions to the court by Sept. 12.
From there, he plans to schedule a hearing during which he’ll decide whether to grant Walker-Yeager immunity on the basis of self defense.
