Murder Victims Had Local Ties

The two women who were found murdered Sunday at a Goose Lake residence in Whitley County had local ties.

Melissa J. Walter, 25, and Tammy L. Walter, 33, both worked in Warsaw. The two were apparently stabbed and were found dead early Sunday morning at Melissa's home.

"The hospital is a small group of employees," said Lora Beeson, team leader of outpatient and diagnostic services at Kosciusko Community Hospital, where Melissa Walter worked. "This is a loss to our family."

William A. Walter, Melissa's estranged husband, is charged with two counts of murder in the case. He is in police custody while hospitalized after reportedly being struck by a pickup in southern Noble County after allegedly killing the two women. William is listed in serious condition.

The murder investigation is continuing by Whitley County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police.

Tammy and William Walter were both employed by Biomet, Warsaw. Biomet officials refused to comment on either employee.

Melissa Walter worked at KCH since graduating from Lutheran Hospital in 1995. She was employed as a radiological technologist.

"Missy was an extremely patient-oriented caregiver," said Beeson.

"She was kind, compassionate, and one of the hardest workers we had," said Beeson. "She gave 110 percent to everything she did."

Beeson also described Melissa's way with patients as "phenomenal ... She really clicked with them."

Melissa was responsible for giving X-rays, especially mammograms. She was also coordinating an educational program on new Dexa equipment that KCH is using.

"Missy will be sorely missed," Beeson said. "It will be very difficult to replace her."