Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, Inc.

120 Arcade Street, Watertown, NY 13601 Phone 315-782-1823 / Fax 315-782-3760

www.vacjc.com

July 12, 2017

On Sunday, July 9, 2017 our community suffered a tremendous loss with the deaths of
New York State Trooper Joel Davis and a young military spouse, Nichole Walters.

Nichole Walters was allegedly murdered by her husband and Trooper Davis was killed
while responding to the domestic incident at the Walters home. In addition, a friend of
the family, Rebecca, was injured. This incident was domestic violence and it has left a
community devastated and families left to sift through the many questions, emotions,
and loss.

Domestic violence is when one partner in an intimate relationship abuses the other. The
abuse can be physical or sexual violence, threats, intimidation, emotional abuse,
economic deprivation or a combination of these. Domestic violence is an epidemic
affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual
orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality.

In America, one woman is fatally shot by a spouse, ex-spouse or dating partner every
14 hours. Unfortunately, Nicholes death is now counted in this grim statistic. Domestic
Violence has left Nicholes child without a mother and a family, and friends, who will
mourn her loss.

Domestic Violence has a far reaching impact on families, children in the home who
might witness the violence, law enforcement who may be called to respond to the
incidents, as well as the community. Law enforcement protects and serves our
community each and every day with integrity, pride, and honor in an attempt to ensure
safety for all citizens. Law enforcement is the first on the scene of a domestic incident,
and risks their lives to help a victim. Trooper Davis was a husband, father, son, brother,
coach and fellow officer, who died responding to a domestic violence call and we all
grieve the loss of such a great man.

We, as an agency that provides services to all victims of domestic violence, are
sincerely heartbroken at the deaths of Trooper Joel Davis and Ms. Nichole Walters. We
urge anyone who is in an unsafe situation to reach out for help; we can assist you on
your path to safety and independence. If you are in immediate danger call 911. The
Victims Assistance Center can be contacted 24-hours a day on our hotline 315-782-
1855.

With deepest respect,

Jill L. Parker
Executive Director