EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A man arrested and charged with murder in the shooting death of his longtime female friend and roommate “snapped” during an argument that had escalated last week, according to court documents obtained by KTSM.
Ruidoso Police arrested and charged Robert Walker, 66, with murder in the first degree, tampering with evidence, negligent use of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.
Walker is accused of shooting and killing 55-year-old Zeba Morris-French in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 10.
Walker and Morris-French had been friends for about 35 years and have maintained a friendship-only relationship for most of that time, according to court documents.
Morris-French had moved into Walker’s home along the 100 block of Mustang Drive in Ruidoso about six months ago, according to court documents.
They had a physical relationship about 15 years ago but have been friends since, Walker told police according to court documents.
Walker also told law enforcement that there had been tension between them because Morris-French didn’t pick up after herself around the house, drank alcohol constantly and blamed Walker for what was wrong in her life, according to court documents.
At about 10 p.m. the night before, Morris-French started yelling at Walker “about not doing enough for her which prevented him from being able to sleep,” according to court documents.
Walker then got out of bed and went into the living room to tell her, “If you don’t like it here, you can leave,” according to court documents.
Morris-French then reportedly said, “You’re going to have to kill me first,” according to court documents.
Walker told law enforcement, he “snapped” and began yelling at Morris-French.
At that time, she put a pillow over here face while lying on the couch, according to court documents.
Walker at that time walked back into his bedroom and got his gun, which he described as “.38 special.”
Walker said he shot Morris-French “just once” and believed he shot her in the head, but didn’t know for sure because she had a pillow on her face, according to court documents.
Walker then went back to bed but woke up later, realizing what he had done, according to court documents.
At that time, he called 911.
Walker also told law enforcement that he remembered that Morris-French wanted to be buried next to her grandfather in Tinnie, New Mexico, which is about 20 miles east of Ruidoso Downs.
He was trying to put her into a car to take her there when police showed up, according to court documents.
According to a news release sent out by Ruidoso Police, they showed up at Walker’s house at about 5 a.m.
Walker had attempted to wrap her in a sheet of plastic so she wouldn’t bleed “everywhere,” court documents said.
Walker also put a trash bag over her head, according to court documents.
Walker told law enforcement he was “angry” when the shooting happened and was “fed up” with her, according to court documents.
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