In a sudden and shocking Facebook post, Aranda announced the passing of their longtime drummer Mike Walker. Oklahoma rockers Aranda consists of the brother duo Damien and Gabe Aranda, but the musicians have other instrumental members of their group. The band started in 2001 but original drummer Armando Lopez left the band in 2003, making way for drummer Mike Walker to join the group. In 2004, Mike Walker recorded "The 405 Sessions" with Aranda and after that became a permanent fixture in the group. Since then, the band recorded albums, travelled the world and became brothers rather than just bandmates. Sadly, Aranda announced today the passing of Mike Walker ad his wife Rachel Walker in a Facebook post:

"Today we lost our band mate, our brother, and our best friend. For over 15 years Mike Walker toured the country with us impacting countless lives everywhere he went. His sense of humor was endearing. He made everything from playing drums to making people fall in love with him effortless. He was so easy going but for those that knew him well there was an intense spiritual depth behind the man. We will miss his laughter and his insatiable appetite for all "band cuisine." Most of all we will miss his beautiful spirit. We will be in continuous prayer for his family and loved ones. May he and his beautiful wife Rachel rest in peace. Love you forever."

The band gave no other details but according to news outlets in Oklahoma, Walker and his wife Rachel were murdered by their son, 19 year-old Michael Elijah Walker. According to KOCO News in Oklahoma, police responded to the couple's home after their other son called police at 2:30 a.m. early Monday morning. Sgt. James Hamm, with the Edmond Police Department said that the victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and a handgun was found inside the home. Michael Elijah Walker was booked on complaints of first degree murder.

We will bring you more details as this story develops. The News 9 video above has tributes and the thoughts of Mike and Rachel Walker's friends after the shocking news of their deaths. Our hearts go out to Mike Walker's family and the rest of Aranda's families during this difficult and tragic time.

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John Roman
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