JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — Rowan County law enforcement officials have announced that remains found in Johnston County have been identified as missing transgender woman Elisha Walker. A suspect has been charged and arrested in the case.

Elisha Maurice Walker has been missing since Oct. 23. She is identified by law enforcement as male, 20 years old, 5'8", 120 pounds, with "light brown skin complexion."
Elisha Maurice Walker has been missing since Oct. 23. She is identified by law enforcement as male, 20 years old, 5’8″, 120 pounds, with “light brown skin complexion.”

Walker, 20, went missing in October. Her burned out car was found in November in Sampson County, N.C.

Walker’s remains were found Thursday after law enforcement officials searched property outside Smithfield, N.C. Walker was found buried in the woods behind a house.

Angel Arias — a known member of the Latin Kings street gang, law enforcement said — was arrested and charged with murder and felony larceny of a motor vehicle. He is behind held without bond in Johnston County jail and awaiting return to Rowan County.

Past coverage:
Family, police search for missing trans woman
No new clues in missing person case

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Matt Comer

Matt Comer previously served as editor from October 2007 through August 2015 and as a staff writer afterward in 2016.

2 replies on “Remains of missing Rowan County transgender woman found”

  1. I think the objection is overstated. It says the POLICE identified her as such, which is not only an accurate statement but moreover it brings awareness to the community that the police are still doing it wrong and that needs to be confronted. It’s they who should be the object of your wrath.

  2. Now I am curious, could Ryder expand on his statement, “her mother, and the police are part of the reason she was killed.” Sorry I am not as familiar with the details of this horrible tragedy!

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