A nearly 50-year-old cold case from San Bernardino County has finally been solved, revealing a chilling connection to a notorious serial killer currently on death row in Idaho. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department announced that the culprit behind the murder of Daniel Ashton Walker, which occurred on October 1, 1974, has been identified as Thomas Eugene Creech, a convicted serial killer responsible for a staggering 42 killings.
The tragic incident unfolded when Walker, just two weeks shy of his 22nd birthday, was fatally shot in his van parked along the 40 Freeway, approximately 62 miles west of Needles. Miraculously, his passenger managed to escape the attack and flagged down help, but Walker succumbed to his injuries. The case quickly went cold, leaving investigators with no leads to pursue.
However, on November 15, 2023, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reignited the investigation, and their relentless efforts paid off. Cold Case Detectives obtained crucial information related to Walker’s murder, leading them to identify Thomas Eugene Creech as the prime suspect. The breakthrough was further solidified when detectives corroborated intimate details about the crime that Creech had disclosed, confirming his involvement in the heinous act.
Thomas Eugene Creech, now 73 years old, has been on death row since 1983, making him the longest-serving death row inmate in Idaho. With his admission to 42 killings, his name has become synonymous with terror and brutality. The revelation that Creech is connected to the cold case murder of Daniel Walker has sent shockwaves through law enforcement agencies and communities alike.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in their ongoing investigation. Detective Justin Carty can be reached at 909-890-4904. Callers can choose to remain anonymous by contacting WeTip at 800-78CRIME or visiting wetip.com.
As the details of this chilling cold case continue to unfold, the nation remains captivated by the relentless pursuit of justice. The identification of Thomas Eugene Creech as the culprit behind Daniel Ashton Walker’s murder serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of unsolved crimes and the tireless dedication of law enforcement to bring closure to victims and their families.
3 Responses
This is a fascinating example of how advancements in forensic technology and DNA analysis can help solve cold cases. In this particular case, the investigators were able to use DNA evidence to establish a link between the cold case and a serial killer who was already on death row in another state. This highlights the importance of preserving and analyzing DNA evidence from crime scenes, as it can potentially lead to the resolution of long-standing mysteries and bring closure to the families of victims. It also emphasizes the significance of collaboration between law enforcement
This is such a fascinating and chilling story. As a true crime enthusiast, my personal goal is to continue following cold cases and unsolved mysteries, hoping to see more of them being solved. I find it incredibly satisfying when justice is finally served, even if it takes decades. It’s a reminder that no case should be forgotten, and that there is always hope for closure. I also plan on supporting organizations and initiatives that work towards solving cold cases, such as donating to DNA databases or volunteering my time
This is a truly fascinating development in the world of criminal investigations. The fact that a cold case from almost 50 years ago has been solved is a testament to the advancements in forensic technology and the dedication of law enforcement agencies. This case also highlights the importance of cross-jurisdictional collaboration in solving crimes.
One real-world application of this information is the potential for solving other cold cases using similar techniques and collaborations. There are countless unsolved cases across the country that could benefit from the expertise and resources