Ruidoso Police: Man charged with murder of roommate

Flashing lights on the roof of a patrol car (iStock)

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Ruidoso police have arrested a 66-year-old man in connection with the murder of his roommate, police said in a news release posted on the Village of Ruidoso’s Facebook page on Sunday, July 14.

Robert Walker, 66, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, negligent use of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance, according to the Ruidoso Police Department.

On Wednesday, July 10, Ruidoso police were called to 109 Mustang Drive around 5 a.m. A caller to the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority had told them he had shot a woman in his driveway, placed the gun in his bathroom and was going to wait in his bedroom until police arrived, the news release said.

When officers arrived, they found Walker on his porch. Walker was peacefully taken into custody “after being given commands,” according to Ruidoso police.

Police found 55-year-old Zeba Lynette Morris-French dead in the driveway of the house.

Police say they learned that Walker and Morris-French were roommates. Walker shot Morris-French but did not give a motive.

The case is being investigated by the Major Crimes Unit of the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office. This task force is comprised of members of the Ruidoso Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Alamogordo Police Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Carrizozo, New Mexico District Attorney’s Office.