Kody Walsh arrested in Tenn.; extradition hearing set for Tuesday

Walsh, the focus of several area manhunts, all of which came up empty-handed, is now in jail after being caught by police in Memphis, Tennessee.

"I think I feel more of a sense of relief for the community, so they know there's not somebody out there who's wanted on a 1st degree murder warrant," said Illinois State Police Captain Jim Winters.

Walsh is wanted for shooting and killing 36-year-old Lori Daniels one week ago. 

After trying to stop him for a license plate violation Sunday afternoon, Walsh took-off and led police on a wild, high speed 45-minute chase.

"Through three counties in Tennessee, Haywood, Fayette, Shelby counties, the pursuit at times reached very high speeds," said Winters.

During the chase Walsh hit two cars and eventually slammed into a power pole, he then fled on foot but was caught and arrested.

"He did shave his head or cut his hair significantly," said Winters.  "And he did try to alter his identity to avoid being apprehended by law enforcement officials."

Police say Walsh gave a fake name when he was arrested.  However, after police checked the tattoos on his body and found them consistent with a fugitive from Winnebago County, they knew they had caught Wash.

The hunt for Walsh began after place say he killed Daniels near the South Beloit tollway.  He then took police on a chase through Winnebago County, before crashing his car for the first time near Springfield Avenue and School Road in Rockford.  He then disappeared.

"At what point in time he left this jurisdiction for another is all part of the investigation," said Winnebago County State's Attorney Joe Bruscato.

Walsh was found and believed to be traveling alone.  When police arrested him, Walsh did have a stolen assault rifle and at least 40 rounds of ammunition, as well as several cell phones.

Illinois State Police would not say if the car he was in was also stolen.  Video WTVO/WQRF obtained from out partners in Memphis, TN show the car did have Illinois tags and is registered to a fire fighter.

"[It had] Illinois plates and we're still investigating," said Winters.

Police would not say if Walsh knew anyone in the Memphis area, and would not rule out the possibility of additional arrests coming related to Walsh's case.

"We will not foreclose the possibility of charges, other charges concerning Mr. Walsh, as well as other charges concerning any other individuals," said Bruscato.

Investigators from Winnebago County and the Illinois State Police are in Memphis, TN to help with the investigation.

Walsh has a status hearing Tuesday morning to begin the extradition process. 

That process could take a few days or a few months before Walsh is returned to Winnebago County.