Decades-Old Murder Case Reopened: Cold Case Team Identifies Suspect in 1974 Interstate Killing
Above: Stock Image
Originally Published By San Bernardino Sheriff via Nixle
“DATE/TIME: Tuesday, October 1, 1974, 6:00 a.m.
INCIDENT: Murder Investigation
LOCATION: Interstate-40, 62 miles West of Needles, CA
SUSPECT(S): Creech, Thomas Eugene, DOB: September 9, 1950
DECEDENT: Walker, Daniel Ashton, DOB: October 15, 1952
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, October 1, 1974, at approximately 6:00 am, Daniel Walker parked his van alongside Interstate-40, 62 miles west of Needles so he and his passenger could rest. Daniel was awakened by an unknown suspect and was shot multiple times. The passenger in the van escaped and made it to safety. The passenger flagged down a passing motorist and Daniel was ultimately transported to a local hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The suspect fled and was not located. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail investigated and exhausted all leads at that time.
Over several years, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detail, Cold Case Team, reviewed Daniel’s case but were unable to develop any workable leads to solve his murder.
On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the Cold Case Team resumed the investigation into the murder of Daniel Walker. Cold Case Detectives obtained additional information related to the murder and identified the suspect in the murder of Daniel Walker as Thomas Eugene Creech. Creech was found to be incarcerated in an Idaho prison for several additional murders, where he was found guilty. Creech is currently the longest-serving inmate on death row in Idaho. While working with the Ada County District Attorney’s Office in Idaho, Cold Case Detectives were able to corroborate intimate details from statements Creech made regarding Daniel’s murder. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and is in consultation with the Ada County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Justin Carty, Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail, Cold Case Team, at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.
Refer: Detective Justin Carty or Sergeant Justin Giles
Station: Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail
Phone No. (909) 890-4904
Case No. DR#321058-20 H#1974-433
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department”
