Jeffrey Lee Walton, a 50-year-old man from Hillsborough, North Carolina, died on December 25, 2007. Walton was born on December 8, 1957, in Rowan County, North Carolina. He was the son of Annie Shipwash Hunt and Donald Ross Walton. He was self-employed and lived at 3303 New Sharon Church Road in Hillsborough.
On Christmas Day, 2007, Walton was tragically murdered in his home.
Authorities reported that Randall Standifer, who had a history of violent behavior, broke into Walton's residence, shot and killed him, and then stole money. Standifer also kidnapped his ex-girlfriend, Diana Koutsis, from the scene. Standifer was charged with first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, breaking and entering, first-degree kidnapping, and assault on a female.
Standifer's actions were driven by a romantic rivalry, as Walton was involved with Koutsis. During the incident, Standifer struck Koutsis with the barrel of a 20-gauge shotgun, causing injury. Standifer was denied bond for the murder charge and had a $150,000 bond set for the other charges. He requested a public defender for his legal representation.
The case against Standifer proceeded with a probable cause hearing set for January 7, 2008. The tragic events of that Christmas Day left a lasting impact on Walton's family and the Hillsborough community.
