^[1]

Kody R. Walsh

Online Staff Report

Kody R. Walsh, 23, of Rockford, who is accused of killing 36-year-old Lori Ann Daniels of Beloit, Wis., Sept. 9, faces new criminal charges.

The accused I-90 killer, who is in custody on murder charges, is now also charged with criminal damage to government property stemming from a November incident during which he allegedly broke a sprinkler and a light inside his jail cell. A motion regarding the new charges was heard by Judge John Truitt Dec. 5.

A no-bond, first-degree murder warrant was issued for Walsh’s arrest following the Sept. 9 shooting death of Daniels. Walsh allegedly fatally shot Daniels while traveling on I-90 near South Beloit at approximately 2 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 9.

South Beloit Police located and attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Walsh, and the vehicle fled. South Beloit Police were joined by Rockton Police in attempting to stop the vehicle. The pursuit ended when the vehicle driven by Walsh crashed near Springfield Road and School Street in Rockford.

Following the crash, Walsh fled on foot after shooting a weapon at police. As Walsh fled, he turned and fired at least one round at the pursuing officers. Officers did not return fire at Walsh, and no officers were injured.

A search of the area involving multiple law enforcement agencies was coordinated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Police. The vehicle that crashed was found to contain the body of Daniels. According to the Winnebago County Coroner’s Office, Daniels died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Prior to the Sept. 9 incident, Walsh was also wanted on an unrelated domestic battery warrant.

At approximately 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 16, Walsh was located near Memphis, Tenn., and arrested by local Tennessee law enforcement after a high-speed chase on Interstate 40.

Tennessee law enforcement attempted to stop Walsh for following another vehicle too closely and driving with an obstructed license plate, but Walsh fled from officers, leading them on a three-county chase.

According to reports, Tennessee authorities first attempted to stop Walsh on Interstate 40 in Haywood County at about 1 p.m. He then fled, reaching speeds of up to 110 mph while being pursued on I-40 through Fayette County into Shelby County.

The Toyota Solara Walsh was driving blew out a tire, and he continued traveling erratically at speeds of about 90 mph.

Officers briefly stopped their pursuit after they were advised of an accident scene the chase was approaching on I-40.

According to a report at www.commercialappeal.com ^[2]: “Walsh allegedly struck two vehicles at the accident scene before continuing west.

“He later exited I-40 and struck a telephone pole at Summer and Waring, and attempted to flee on foot but was caught soon afterward, according to the affidavit,” the www.commercialappeal.com ^[2] report added. “Officers reported finding a Draco 7.62 mm rifle in Walsh’s car that was loaded with a 30-round magazine. Rockford police later informed Memphis authorities the rifle was stolen.

“Walsh initially provided officers with a fake name, according to the affidavit,” the report said. “He identified himself after officers located a teardrop tattoo under his right eye that was concealed by makeup.

“Walsh is being held without bond in Shelby County Jail while Illinois authorities arrange his extradition.

“He was charged with aggravated assault, intentionally evading arrest in an automobile, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, theft of property, violation of vehicle registration law, and two counts of leaving the scene of an accident involving injury.”

Posted Dec. 5, 2012