United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced on Mar. 23 that Adrian Walker, a Canadian national and international fugitive, was arrested in the Northern District of Mississippi on an immigration-related charge.
Walker is wanted by Toronto Police Services on a Canada-wide arrest warrant for first degree murder and attempted murder after a violent shooting allegedly took place in Toronto on May 7, 2024. He has been named as a “Most Wanted Person” by Canadian authorities.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Marshals Service and its Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) discovered that Walker was hiding in Tupelo, Mississippi under an alias. HSI agents determined he had entered the country illegally without inspection by immigration officials and obtained an arrest warrant for an immigration offense. Federal and state law enforcement officials captured Walker Monday afternoon.
Officials from Enforcement and Removal Operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement have placed an immigration detainer on Walker to ensure his deportation after any charges he faces are resolved in Mississippi. At that time, he will be returned to Canada to face prosecution for the alleged offenses there.
Leary said, “This was a serious case. A Canadian national, wanted for murder, entered our country illegally and was living in our midst. He even made a Canadian Most Wanted list. Seeking sanctuary in Mississippi is not a smart move. The U.S. Marshals for the Northern District of Mississippi, together with ATF and Homeland Security Investigators, conducted a multi-day operation to safely locate and apprehend this individual. After their great work, he was in jail. Those that continually criticize law enforcement are not in the arena; our agents and officers are, and the folks in our district can sleep soundly knowing law enforcement officers did their job. Thank you!”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson said: “This investigation is an example of the continued priority of ATF to work with our federal, state, local and international law enforcement partners to support public safety and reduce violent crime.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright of Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans said: “Walker, an international fugitive wanted on murder charges in Canada, believed he could evade capture by hiding in the Northern District of Mississippi…he was safely apprehended on federal immigration charges and is now one step closer to facing justice in Canada.”
Robert Dickerson from United States Marshal Service added: “When Mississippians notice a problem and speak up…a murderer is off the streets because you spoke up…If you bring criminal activity into our country, you will be held accountable.”
The case is being prosecuted by Clyde McGee and John Herzog Jr., investigated as part of Operation Take Back America—a joint initiative led by Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security focused on combating illegal immigration crimes.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
