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Family wants help finding Hapeville man's killer

HAPEVILLE, Ga. — A family member is speaking publicly for the first time since a killing in Hapeville and he's pleading for help in the search for a gunman.

Stuart Walton was shot and killed outside his home on Dorsey Road during an attempted robbery Jan. 23.

Lydia Walton, the victim's wife who managed to escape, told police that she and her husband had just pulled into their carport when they were confronted by two men with guns. She ran into their home and locked the door, but her husband was shot and collapsed as he tried to run to his neighbor's house for help.

Channel 2's Shae Rozzi was at the Hapeville Police Department on Tuesday, where police released a picture of Walton for the first time. They said solving the case is now their top priority.

Police have had no active leads in the case and now, a family member is coming forward and asking the public for help.

Although Lydia Walton was able to escape, her brother-in-law said that she fears for her safety and even asked Channel 2 Action News not to show his face on camera.

"She just feels like she's lost everything," Stuart Walton said. "She feels the people are going to come back and get her."

Family members and Hapeville police are asking anyone who knows anything about the case to come forward. Crime Stoppers of Atlanta is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information. Callers can contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.