39-Year-Old Mayor's Death Stirs Up Plenty Of Questions

DISTRICT HEIGHTS, Md. (WJZ) -- The city of District Heights is mourning the loss of Mayor James Walls. The 39-year-old was found dead inside his home. Days later, plenty of questions surrounding his sudden death remain unanswered.

Rick Ritter has the latest on the investigation and spoke with those who knew him best.

Flags are at half staff in District Heights.

When Walls was 29, he was the youngest ever to be elected mayor in the city's history. His death has left everyone stunned.

At just 39, the sudden death of District Heights Mayor James Walls makes little sense.

"A 39-year-old person, you never think he is going to die and then certainly not the mayor of the city," said Vice Mayor Eddie Martin.

Those in the streets he served are left wondering how and why.

"I just couldn't believe that, someone that young," said Cecil Lenson.

Last Thursday, a 911 call came in from Walls' home along Council Drive. When paramedics arrived on the scene, they found Walls inside, unconscious and not breathing. They made several attempts to revive him but were unsuccessful.

Investigators say there are no signs of foul play. The tragic news is rattling those in District Heights.

"We're going to miss him, that's for sure," Lenson said.

As the youngest to be elected mayor in the city's history, some say Walls' youth was overshadowed by his results.

"He got it done. If there was a way to get it done, he got it done," Lenson said.

At the city's municipal building, the 39-year-old is being honored while Vice Mayor Martin tries to come to grips with Walls' death.

"It's just amazing. People are at a loss for words," Martin said.

A hole left not just in the hearts of his loved ones but now a void in the city he served.

"We don't know who's going to take his spot and if they'll be the same type of person he was," Lenson said.

Eddie Martin will serve as acting mayor in the meantime and says no decision about the future will be made until after Walls is laid to rest.

Autopsy results are pending, which will determine Walls' exact cause of death.

Governor Hogan released a statement saying he and his wife were stunned to learn of Walls' tragic passing and they're sending heartfelt prayers to his family and friends.