NY - ‘Electric chair’: Victim’s son outraged after murder suspect’s arraignment

[Knox]

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Walter Balkum, 43, is charged with manslaughter and criminal contempt in the death of his girlfriend, Melikah Bruner.

Police say Balkum repeatedly hit Bruner in the head and upper body, causing her death. Officers arrived at Bruner’s home on Hazelwood Terrace on August 27, just before 11:30 p.m., to find she had already died. Police say Balkum ran off from the scene before they got there.

Police say the beating happened in front of Bruner’s child, who called 911.

Police say Balkum was arrested and indicted back in June for felony assault against Bruner. He was released on his own recognizance, with an order of protection for Bruner.

But, according to police, his ankle monitor wasn’t on at the time of Bruner’s death because Judge Karen Bailey Turner removed it at the request of his attorney to help him find employment.

Over the phone, his attorney Ted Barraco said the ankle monitor tracked whenever Balkum leaved his house, never his location. The intent behind the ankle monitor is to avoid home confinement. Removing it allowed Balkum an opportunity to turn his life around and get a job, said Barraco.

'Electric chair': Victim's son outraged after murder suspect's arraignment

A man is accused of beating his girlfriend to death at a home on Hazelwood Terrace in late August.

www.whec.com

 

[Knox]

I'm furious that yet another violent P@S was afforded another opportunity to kill the woman he previously injured, less than two months ago. Melikah was granted an order of protection back in June, Balkum was charged with felony assault and released. He had an ankle monitor, but JUDGE KAREN BAILEY TURNER allowed him to remove it so he could find a job?!!! Really?

Melikah was beaten to death in front of her child. This child is scarred for the remainder of their life.

When are Judges going to start taking violence against woman seriously? There is another case in Mississippi - Lauren Johansen. Her boyfriend was also released from jail and supposed to be on an ankle monitoring device. Lauren was also beaten to death.

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