A San Tan Valley man who drove up and down the Beeline Highway Tuesday night targeting motorists with an AR-15 rifle has a lengthy rap sheet, including a murder conviction.
James David Walker, Jr. was found early Wednesday morning in the desert off the highway at milepost 201. He was alive, but would not listen to police commands. A K-9 unit was released and helped in his apprehension.
He faces preliminary charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, endangerment and possession of dangerous drugs. DPS said more charges are possible.
Since Walker's capture, DPS said Walker has not spoken to authorities. A motive for the shootings is not yet known.
ABC15 has been looking through police and court records to better understand Walker's history. Below is what we've found out.
1997 MURDER CONVICTION
In 1997, Walker was convicted of second-degree murder and aggravated assault and sentenced to 16 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. He was released on Jan. 26, 2014.
According to the police report, on Oct. 31, 1995, Walker, then 15, got drunk with some friends. The group began taunting some trick-or-treaters and eventually they all got into a physical fight. Neighbors tried to break up the fight, but Walker pulled out a gun and shot two of them. One of the neighbors died at the hospital. The second neighbor recovered.
ARRESTED FOR DRUGS IN MARCH 2016
Walker was most recently arrested in March 2016.
According to the direct complaint, Walker was charged with 16 counts, including aggravated assault, criminal damage, resisting arrest, possession of dangerous drugs, and disorderly conduct.
Police say Walker and a woman were smoking drugs in the parking lot of a Mesa store. When officers showed up, the two refused to get out of their car. Instead, Walker allegedly rammed the vehicle into two police cars in an attempt to get away.
Walker was scheduled to stand trial beginning in August on those charges.
