Nilexia B. Alexander, a 14-year-old girl from Temple Terrace, Florida, tragically lost her life on May 6, 2022. She was discovered deceased by the roadside near the 100 block of Floribraska Avenue in Tampa. Nilexia had been reported as a runaway prior to her death. The circumstances surrounding her death were grim, as she was found with gunshot wounds, indicating a violent end to her young life.
The discovery of her body in the early hours of the morning led to an immediate investigation by the Tampa Police Department.
The investigation into Nilexia's death quickly identified Ronny Tremel Walker as a suspect. Walker, a 44-year-old man with a prior conviction for manslaughter, was arrested and charged with premeditated first-degree murder in connection with Nilexia's death. The police were able to link Walker to the crime through a combination of investigative techniques. Surveillance footage showed Walker's vehicle in the area at the time of the murder, and cell phone evidence placed Nilexia inside his vehicle around the time of her death. A search of Walker's vehicle revealed DNA evidence that matched Nilexia, further solidifying the case against him.
Walker’s arrest brought some measure of relief to Nilexia's grieving family. Her mother, Ashley Alexander, expressed her gratitude to the police and the community for their efforts in bringing Walker to justice. Despite the arrest, the investigation into Nilexia's murder continued, as authorities sought to uncover the full details of the crime and ensure that justice was served. Walker's prior criminal history, including a conviction for the 2003 shooting death of a woman, added to the gravity of the charges against him.
The case against Walker proceeded through the legal system, with prosecutors aiming to secure a conviction for the heinous crime. The community of Temple Terrace and the broader Tampa area were left to grapple with the loss of a young life and the impact of such a violent act. Nilexia's death highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by runaway youth and the importance of community vigilance and support in preventing such tragedies.
