Neighbors: Alexander Place, scene of weekend homicide, quiet
Published 12:08 am Tuesday, April 5, 2016
By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com
All was quiet Monday afternoon at Alexander Place apartment complex, which was a far cry from the commotion Sunday morning following the discovery of Joseph David Walker, whose body was found inside an apartment.
Walker, 37, was the victim of an apparent early morning homicide.
The Salisbury Fire Department was called around 6:45 a.m. Sunday in relation to smoke in an apartment. In investigating the smoke, firefighters discovered the body of Walker, 37, of 632 Hamilton Drive, inside the apartment.
Police Capt. Shelia Lingle said the investigation continues, but no arrest had been made as of Monday. Police said Monday they don’t believe the killing was random.
Lingle said Walker, who is not originally from Rowan County, had only lived at the complex for several months and worked locally. Police have not said how Walker was killed.
Two green doors sat in the walkway at the apartment complex, one neighbor said, because the fire department removed his door in order to gain access into his apartment. He said he understood it was to make sure the fire did not spread.
The neighbor did not want his name used, but added he works out of town frequently and had no idea someone was killed until later. The man did not know Walker, he said.
Another neighbor, who lives a few units away and did not want her name used, said her family has lived at the complex for two years. The woman said it’s always been a quiet area. She did not know Walker.
Anyone with information regarding the matter is asked to contact the Salisbury Police at 704-638-5333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245. Calls can be made anonymously.
The SBI is assisting in the investigation.
Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.