Deborah Ann Walker, a 37-year-old African American woman, was found dead in a vacant lot in Trenton, New Jersey, on July 29, 1996. A neighbor discovered her body near the home of Anthony Balaam, which drew investigators’ attention because of the proximity.

DNA evidence from the scene later linked Balaam to Walker’s murder. Balaam became known as the Trenton Strangler; investigators say he targeted women in Trenton between 1994 and 1996, often luring those struggling with substance abuse with the promise of drugs in exchange for sexual acts that then turned violent and ended in assault and strangulation.

Following his arrest, Balaam confessed to four murders, including Deborah Walker’s, and to other crimes such as robbery and weapons possession. He was convicted and received a life sentence with a minimum term of 120 years before parole eligibility. If anyone knew Deborah or has information about her final days, please share what you can.