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. 

On Labor Day, police located Balkum and arrested him.

In court, Balkum was seen looking back at the family, glaring. 

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

Bulkam has two prior felonies. For now, he’ll stay behind bars.

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 court documents, 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.

Judge Turner’s office said she can’t comment on pending cases. 

Balkum remains behind bars with no bail. Additional charges may be coming.

News10NBC’s Eriketa Cost spoke to the son of Melikah Bruner Tuesday, who shared pictures of his mother. He says he wants justice for his mother, who was in a relationship with Balkum for about two years.

“Like I said, I had a great relationship with my mother,” shares her son. “But everybody ain’t like this with their mother. So fix whatever you all got, fix all of that, never know when the last time you’ll talk to them again truly.”

When asked what justice would look like for him, Bruner’s son replied, “Electric chair.”

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