Three years after the murder of 45-year-old Celestine Walker, her abusive husband was sentenced to life in prison for her homicide, according to a Suffolk Country District Attorney’s (DA) Office press release.
Phillip Carrington, 51, was found guilty of second-degree murder and violating a restraining order that the victim had taken out against him. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years and a concurrent term of 2 ½ years for the restraining order violation.
Testimony and evidence showed that Carrington had been involved in a romantic relationship with Walker, during which he beat and abused her.
On May 11, 2013, Walker and Carrington went to a family member’s home and were given a ride back home early the next morning. Friends and relatives attempted to reach Walker on May 12, but received no response. On May 13, a maintenance man observed Carrington leaving the residence.
Neighbors reported a strong odor coming from Walker’s apartment and flies around her front door. Workers responding to the complaints opened Walker’s front door on May 16 and discovered her decomposing body partially covered with a sheet. The office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that she had been beaten and strangled.
Several of Walker’s family members confronted Carrington after learning of her death. He initially denied any knowledge of her death, but later told them it had been an accident.
Before Carrington’s sentence was imposed, Walker’s relatives addressed the court.
“We will forever have to live with the fact that such thoughtless, hateful behavior is what led to another human being losing their life before their time. From this day forth, our family has to battle with constant feelings of loss and loneliness,” Walker’s daughter said. “The fight to overcome the tragedy that has taken place will forever remain a challenge.”