The man accused of killing an 18-year-old woman and injuring her older sister was also charged earlier this summer with felony drug possession and unlawful carrying of a firearm, according to court records.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles said as a juvenile, 19-year-old Walker Porretto was convicted of aggravated robbery and was supposed to serve six years and be released in 2025, but was released early. The circumstances of his early release are unclear.
“The reason that is so vital is because a parole warrant is the most powerful warrant in the state,” said Crime Stoppers of Houston, Andy Kahan. “It’s a no bond warrant. You can’t get out, so when that warrant was eventually lifted, that allowed him to get out on the bond.”
While out on bond, records show Porretto was charged and arrested on June 22 with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
Friendswood Police Department’s media specialist said Porretto was pulled over by officers for a defective headlight. As officers approached, they “detected the smell of marijuana. The officer checked Porretto for warrants and found that he was wanted for a parole violation. A search of the vehicle yielded a stolen gun, oxycodone, alprazolam, cocaine, THC cartridges and methamphetamine.”
According to the TDCJ, Porretto had a parole warrant because of technical allegations for GPS curfew violations and being in possession of a weapon. The parole warrant was issued on June 15 and removed on Aug. 1. TDCJ said the parole warrant was removed after the parole board voted to continue supervision and reaffirm or modify existing special conditions on July 28.
“Certainly, in hindsight, you can easily argue that the decision to allow him to continue to be out on bond likely cost this young lady’s life,” Kahan said.
