The Online Reflector

First-year UIndy physical therapy assistant student Caitlin Walter was killed this summer.

By Adrian Kendrick | Editor-in-Chief

Caitlin Walter, 21, became the victim of an apparent murder-suicide committed by her ex-boyfriend Matthew Ford on May 13, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police.

Her mother Colleen Walter said she was initially shocked and saddened by the incident, which could have been prevented.

“A week before [her death], Caitlin told me she was the happiest she has ever been in her life,” she said. “It’s sad that someone with so much potential is no longer around.”
Walter was a first-year physical therapy assistant student who began her classes at the University of Indianapolis in the fall of 2008. She also studied at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.

According to Linda Biggers, instructor and director of the PTA program, Walter had all the essential attributes for becoming a physical therapist assistant.

“I first met Catlin in February 2008 during her interview for a position in the program,” Biggers said. “I asked her to tell me a little about herself and why she chose physical therapy as a profession.  She had so much enthusiasm and no difficulty talking. I was afraid I wouldn’t have enough time for the interview. It’s going to be difficult for me to walk around the room and not see her sitting there.”
Born Feb. 5, 1988, in Richmond, Ind., Walter was an honor graduate of Hagerstown High School, where she participated in various sports. Her favorite hobby was photography, and she loved her family and friends, according to her mother.

Walter’s best friend, Rana Sorley,  described Walter as hilarious and said she never thought something like this could happen to Walter.
“When it happened I couldn’t grasp the concept,” she said. “Bad things do happen to good people. We may not understand it, or agree with it, but things happen. If I had one last thing to say to Caitlin it would be thank you for being my friend and being there when I needed her.”