Upgraded charges filed against man indicted for fatal beating of woman at Rochester residence

Posted by Jan McDonald September 18, 2024

The man who is accused of fatally assaulting a Rochester woman at a residence on Hazelwood Terrace last month is now being charged with aggravated criminal contempt and first-degree manslaughter.

On Tuesday, a Monroe County grand jury indicted Walter Balkum Jr., 49, for the alleged murder of Melikah Bruner, 43, on August 27. Following his detention on September 3, he was initially charged with second-degree manslaughter.According to the police, he has a lengthy criminal history, which includes an arrest on June 3 for allegedly stabbing Bruner and her son with a knife.

Balkum was released from custody, subjected to electronic monitoring, and issued a no-contact order of protection following the incident.

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Jan McDonald
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Jan McDonald – Managing Partner Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jan McDonald relocated to the Demopolis area in 1991. Over the years, she has built an extensive career as a journalist and freelance writer, contributing her talents to various news outlets across Louisiana, Wisconsin, and Alabama. With her wealth of experience in journalism, Jan has honed her skills in reporting, writing, and storytelling, making her a versatile and respected voice in the field. As Managing Partner of The Watchman, Jan plays a crucial role in overseeing and producing editorial content for the publication. Her responsibilities include curating stories, ensuring high-quality journalism, and managing the day-to-day operations of the editorial team. Jan's dedication to maintaining the integrity of The Watchman's reporting, combined with her deep connection to the community, allows her to guide the publication with both passion and expertise.