Despite Family’s Pleas, Man Must Remain in Jail

Over the family’s objections, a judge Thursday refused to free from jail a Thousand Oaks man--who wants to be a woman--who was convicted of an assault on his father that led to the son being shot.

James “Candy” Walker had asked to be let out of his 180-day jail sentence early for unspecified medical treatment. In an earlier interview with The Times, Walker said he is undergoing hormonal treatment in preparation for a sex change operation.

Superior Court Judge Vincent J. O’Neill Jr. ordered jail personnel to consult a doctor about Walker’s condition.

O’Neill sentenced Walker after the 38-year-old was convicted of battery and carrying a concealed weapon. Walker was arrested Dec. 27 after breaking into his parents’ Thousand Oaks home and confronting his father with a knife. The elder Walker shot his son in the head, but the younger Walker was not seriously wounded.

After the incident, the family unsuccessfully lobbied the district attorney to drop charges against Walker. Prosecutors said that regardless of the family’s sentiment, a crime had occurred, and they pressed on successfully with their prosecution.