The Optimist
  • Home
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Features
  • Print Edition
    • The Pessimist
    • Special Projects
  • Police Log
  • Classifieds
You are here: Home / News / APD arrests former student in homicide investigation

APD arrests former student in homicide investigation

September 4, 2015 by Brittany Jackson

One of two people arrested and charged with murder of an Abilene police officer was enrolled as an ACU student a decade ago.

The Abilene Police Department arrested Phillip Jay Walter Jr., 29, and Violetta Walter, 30, three days after Abilene Police Department Officer Don Allen was found dead in his Clyde home. The officer’s funeral took place Friday.

The two were taken into custody in the 1000 block of South Clack Street Thursday evening. APD said the married couple was linked to the apparent homicide through his stolen property found in their possession.

Under education on his Facebook page, Phillip Walter listed criminal justice at ACU and Cisco College. The Office of the Registrar confirmed he attended the university in the fall 2004 semester but said he majored in graphic design and advertising. He did not return the following semester, and there’s no indication he maintained ties with the university.

Walter and his wife were charged with first-degree murder, a felony in the state of Texas, and could face five to 99 years or life in confinement. Both have bond set at $500,000.

Filed Under: News

Other News:

  • STAR fund reaches $5 million

  • SGA transitions leadership at changing of the guard ceremony

  • Debate ranks third in IPDA National Championship Tournament

About Brittany Jackson

You are here: Home / News / APD arrests former student in homicide investigation

Other News:

  • STAR fund reaches $5 million

  • SGA transitions leadership at changing of the guard ceremony

  • Debate ranks third in IPDA National Championship Tournament

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
22 Apr

NEWS: Students can now vote for the 2026 Mr. ACU and Miss ACU. The link to vote can be found through an email sent out by the Student Government Association.

Reply on Twitter 2046989639165042798 Retweet on Twitter 2046989639165042798 1 Like on Twitter 2046989639165042798 Twitter 2046989639165042798
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
29 Mar

Sing Song 2026 Awards Class Division:

Overall Award:
1. Mixed
2. Seniors
3. Freshman White

Reply on Twitter 2038098756579508469 Retweet on Twitter 2038098756579508469 Like on Twitter 2038098756579508469 2 Twitter 2038098756579508469

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

1 week ago

The Optimist
Click the link in our bio to nominate a graduating senior for the Optimist to feature in our print issue. ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

1 week ago

The Optimist
ACU’s Got Talent showcased student performers Tuesday at the Boone Family Theatre, featuring acts including singing, dancing and spoken word. Lois Botelua, freshman theatre major from Fort Worth, and pianist Peter John, freshman finance major from Park Row, took home the top prize for their performance of “The Visitor” by Sienna Spiro, earning a trophy and $500.To view the full photo gallery, visit acuoptimist.com or click the link in our bio. 📸: @leslie.lu.carrigan #acuoptimist #abilenechristianuniversity #studentlife ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Feb. 28, 2024

Our top stories today include a recap of The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940, the ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 21, 2024
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 14, 2024
  • Optimist Newscast Jan. 24, 2024

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Policies
    • Advertising Policy
    • Letters to the Editor and Reader Comments
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
  • Multimedia
    • Videos
    • Photo Galleries
  • Features
  • Advertise
    • Paid Advertisement
  • Police Log

© 2026 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved