Local News

NORTH MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) ― Miami police have arrested a prime suspect in the murder of Miami Det. James Walker.

He is 21-year old Ricardo Ajuste, who was arrested by North Miami Beach police and booked into the Miami-Dade County jail early Wednesday morning. 

Click Here to read Ajuste's arrest report.

Despite being named a prime suspect, he has not been charged yet for murdering Det. Walker.

Police are waiting for the results of ballistics tests being performed on an AK-47 rifle found on the scene and the bullet removed from the body of Det. Walker.

"If it all matches up with Ajuste, he'll go from being a suspect to being charged with the murder of Detective Walker," Schwartz said.

Walker was found dead Tuesday morning in a North Miami Beach alley at Northeast 164th Street and 18th Avenue.

Miami police spokesman Lt. Bill Schwartz told reporters Wednesday morning that Walker had gone to visit his estranged wife after getting off work Monday night, however, Katinah Boursiquot disputes the police characterization of their relationship as estranged. 
 
When Walker arrived in the neighborhood, "he drove into the middle of hell," said Lt. Schwartz.

That's because police say Ajuste was in the midst of a jealous rage and had been firing an AK-47 assault rifle at a couple sitting in a black Impala in the alley.

"We understand the woman in the car had had a date earlier with Mr. Ajuste. After she left, she had another date with someone else. Ajuste didn't take kindly to her having another date with another guy," explained. Lt. Schwartz.

The unidentified man in the car was struck in the arm, bailed out and ran. Ajuste ran after him, while firing the assault rife. "He clearly wanted this guy dead and chased him down the street," said Schwartz. The man wounded in the arm is being questioned as a both a witness and a victim.

Police say at the same time, Walker arrived to visit his wife, heard the gunshots and drove right into the suspect's crosshairs. Schwartz explained, "We believe Det. Walker behaved as police officers behave, as a hero".  Walker's widow, Katinah, heard the gunshots but mistook them for fireworks.

"Walker was found slumped over the wheel of his unmarked police car, holding his service revolver in his hand. It had been discharged." Schwartz went on to say, "Det. Walker is a hero. He was off the clock but like all of us, never off duty. He heard gunshots, responded, shot back and died."

Walker's Glock service revolver was no match for the assault rifle, according to Schwartz. "These streets are full of these killing machines. We don't carry AK-47's, even though Detective Walker was able to get a round off, his Glock was no match for an AK-47."

Police describe Ajuste as a "major player" in the North Miami Beach gang known as 'One-Way" that operates out of the apartment complex, Schwartz said. The alleyway behind it is known for narcotics and gang activity and runs parallel to Northeast 164th Street just west of 18th Avenue. Court records show Ajuste has had more than a previous dozen
arrests for marijuana possession, lewd and lascivious battery on a
child, trespassing, burglary and other charges.

Ajuste is currently charged with two counts of attempted murder for allegedly shooting an assault rifle at that man and woman in the black Impala. He is being held without bail. The woman in the Impala was not hurt.

Police are also keeping a "be on the lookout" out for a 2001-07 white Ford Taurus, with tinted windows, bullet holes and right rear damage, just in case it may be related to the case.

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