Vanessa Walker, a 42-year-old African American woman from Memphis, Tennessee, was found dead in an abandoned building on December 12, 2021. Her death was investigated by the Memphis Police Department as a homicide. Family and friends remembered her as a kind, compassionate healthcare worker whose sudden, violent death devastated her loved ones and the local community.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and conducted interviews that showed Walker had been in contact in the days before her death with a man later identified as a suspect. That individual had a known history of violence, and police believe a dispute occurred between him and Walker shortly before she died. After a brief standoff with law enforcement, the suspect was taken into custody and charged in connection with her murder. Detectives have explored possible personal and financial motives and have not ruled out the involvement of others.

If anyone knew Vanessa, saw her in early December 2021, or has information about her contacts in the days before December 12, please come forward.