Violent International Fugitive Arrested in Lee County, Northern District, Mississippi

OXFORD - United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that an international violent fugitive was arrested in the Northern District of Mississippi on an immigration related charge brought by the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.

Adrian Walker, a Canadian national, is wanted by the Toronto Police Services on a Canada-wide arrest warrant for first degree murder and attempted murder, following a violent shooting. Those offenses allegedly occurred on May 7, 2024, in Toronto, Canada. For that offense, he has been named as a "Most Wanted Person" by the Toronto Police Services.

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) and their Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) learned that Walker was using an alias and hiding from Canadian law enforcement in Tupelo, Mississippi. Agents with HSI were able to determine that Walker had illegally entered into the United States and had not been inspected by immigration officials. HSI agents were able to obtain an arrest warrant for an immigration offense. Monday afternoon, Walker was captured by federal and state law enforcement officials.

Walker has been charged in the Northern District of Mississippi. Officials with the Enforcement and Removal Operations branch of ICE has placed an immigration detainer on Walker to make sure he is deported from the United States following the conclusion of any charges he faces in the Northern District of Mississippi. At that time, he will be deported back to Canada where he will face justice for the murder and shooting offenses for which he has been charged.

USA Leary stated, "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!"

"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," said ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson.

"Walker, an international fugitive wanted on murder charges in Canada, believed he could evade capture by hiding in the Northern District of Mississippi," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Wright, Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans. "Thanks to the coordinated efforts of HSI; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and our state and local partners, he was safely apprehended on federal immigration charges and is now one step closer to facing justice in Canada."

"When Mississippians notice a problem and speak up, please know that we will respond. Today, a murderer is off the streets because you spoke up," said Robert Dickerson, Senior Inspector, United States Marshal Service. "The United States Marshals Service will always seek justice for those involved in violent crimes, no matter if they occur domestically or internationally. If you bring criminal activity into our country, you will be held accountable."

This case is being prosecuted by Clyde McGee and John Herzog Jr.

This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.