Jimmy's Market 'brothers turn themselves in.'

By PAUL LAROCCO
The Press-Enterprise
Two brothers were arrested Wednesday in connection with the severe beating of a 63-year-old man who opened the door for them at a San Bernardino market.

Jerome Walker, 22, and Milton Walker, 21, surrendered with the aid of a Westside pastor, police said. The documented California Gardens gang members were booked into jail on suspicion of felony battery.

"Both of the boys were full of remorse," said San Bernardino police Detective Glen Carr. "They had no intention of doing that kind of harm."

Nathan Macon suffered heavy head trauma in the March 11 attack outside Jimmy's Food Store at Base Line and Medical Center Drive. He remains in critical condition at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton.

"Doctors said it's still touch and go," his 69-year-old brother, Walter Lee Macon, said by phone Wednesday. "It can go either way."

In statements following their arrest, the suspects said that as Nathan Macon opened the store's door, he slammed it on one of their feet. Detectives say surveillance video doesn't clearly show that occurring.

"They went back and forth, basically saying, 'You better watch out,' " Carr said.

Milton Walker threw the first punch, Carr said. Jerome joined in, investigators allege, with both punching and kicking Macon after he was knocked to the pavement.

"They said it had something to do with him not being respectful," said Sgt. Dave Dillon. "There might have been words said, but nothing that deserved what happened."

"That's just showing courtesy," Walter Lee Macon said of his brother holding the door open. "But some people, you can't be nice to."