7-15-2024 1:24am

Ruidoso Police Department Arrests Robert Walker Suspected for Murder

Ruidoso Police Department announced via a social media post the arrest a 66-year-old man in connection with the murder of his female roommate.

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

At about 5 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, Ruidoso Police were dispatched out to 109 Mustang Drive. A caller to the Tularosa Basin Regional Dispatch Authority had told them he had shot a woman, 55-year-old Zeba Lynette Morris-French in his driveway, had placed the gun in his bathroom and would wait in his bedroom until police arrived, according to the news release.

When officers arrived, they found Walker on his front porch. Walker was taken peacefully into custody “once commands were given to him,” according to Ruidoso Police.

Responding officers found 55-year-old Zeba Lynette Morris-French dead in the driveway of the home.

Police say they learned that Walker and Morris-French were roommates. They say Walker fatally shot Morris-French, but did not provide a motive.

Walker is a well-known employee of the Ruidoso Downs Jockey Club is scheduled to make an appearance before a District Judge after being charged with murdering his roommate. Walker, 66, who worked managing the stairs between the grandstand and the Jockey Club for 18 years. Walker was the author of the “Prairie Dog” tip sheet at the race track. His duties included welcoming guests into the Jockey Club from the grandstand entrance.

We have filed a 5409 motion for pre-trial detention,” District Attorney Key said. “The state would allege that the defendant is dangerous and we would argue that there would be no bond (set in the case).”

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