A Rochester man has been charged in connection with the fatal beating of 43-year-old Melikah Bruner.
The sad incident occurred on August 27, 2024, at the victim's residence at 296 Hazelwood Terrace.
A child from the residence made a desperate call to 911 around 11:30 p.m.
They reported that their mother was being attacked by her boyfriend.
When emergency responders arrived, they found Bruner dead inside her home.
The 911 caller initially reported the incident as a stabbing.
However, further investigation revealed that Bruner had been beaten to death.
Police allege that 49-year-old Walter Balkum repeatedly struck Bruner in the head and upper body, leading to her death.
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| Walter Balkum |
This was not the first time Bruner had been in danger from Walter Balkum.
On June 2, 2024, Walter Balkum reportedly assaulted Bruner.
She reported the assault to authorities, leading to Walter's arrest and subsequent charges.
Bruner was also given a protection order against Walter.
Walter Balkum was later released with an electronic monitoring device.
However, after a hearing in Monroe County Court, a judge ordered the removal of Balkum's ankle monitor.
Just five days after its removal, Bruner was beaten to death.
If the monitor had been in place, his movements might have been tracked.
This may have potentially saved Bruner's life.
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Melikah Bruner. |
Balkum's criminal history is extensive.
He is a convicted felon with four felony and seven misdemeanor convictions.
According official documents, he spent more than ten years in prison after a 2004 burglary and robbery conviction.
Balkum has now been charged with second-degree manslaughter for Melikah Bruner’s murder.
However, as the case proceeds, a Monroe County grand jury is set to review it and may consider additional charges.
Walter Balkum has already appeared in City Court where he pleaded not guilty.
He is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail without bail and is expected to return to court soon.
This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the tragic consequences that can follow.
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In another case, a homeless man has been convicted after he fatally stabbed a beloved student multiple times.
Click here for more details in that case
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