The Ann Arbor police found, on Thursday, April 13th, a woman described a “pillar of her community” dead, murdered in her home. That woman was Jude Walton, the former police oversight commissioner.
The City of Ann Arbor Police Department announced her murder in a post on Facebook, saying:
On 4/13/23 at approximately 1:30pm officers were called to a home to conduct a welfare check on the 200 block of Chapin Street. Once officers arrived and entered the home, they discovered the body of a 51-year-old Ann Arbor woman. At this time her death is being investigated as a homicide.
Next of kin has been notified and the victim has been identified as Jude Walton, a former commissioner of the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission. There have been no arrests, and this remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact AAPD at 734.794.6920 or email the tip line at tips@a2gov.org.
The police department then later released an update to that original release in which they announced that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the homicide, saying:
Walton served as the Ann Arbor police oversight commissioner and is remembered as a pillar of the community. She’s known for dedicating her career to helping the homeless population in her role with nonprofit organization Avalon Housing.
“Jude Walton has been with Avalon Housing for over 14 years. She was a cherished member of our team. Jude served as our Director of Employee Experience, where she ensured Avalon’s vibrant and supportive workplace culture. She was a beloved friend to so many people throughout our community,” Avalon Housing said in a statement Thursday. “Jude shared her positive energy with all those around her. It is with complete and utter devastation that we are processing the information shared today by law enforcement. Our hearts go out to Jude’s family and loved ones. As a community, Avalon employees will work together to find a way to honor Jude’s life.”
Similarly, Ann Arbor Police Chief Aimmee Metzer said, “She was such a pillar here in her outreach. Her advocacy was pretty incredible what she did for this community – the only thing I’ll say additional is I can’t say enough about my staff here who worked over the last 72 hours to get this done. It was collaboration of patrol and the detective bureau I’m really proud to lead this department,”
Featured image credit: Michigan Department of Corrections
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