Suspect in punching death awaits court; police still seek third man

A Racine man believed to have thrown the punch that led to a Kenosha middle school teacher’s death is awaiting an initial court appearance as investigators continue to sort out the details surrounding the death.

Kenosha police say they have identified Martin L. Walker, 20, as the man who punched Colin Byars, 24, outside a Kenosha bar on Feb. 21. Police said a pair of teenagers who witnesses the attack identified Walker as the suspect several days afterward.

Walker has been held in jail since he was picked up for a probation violation in the hours after Byars’ death. Kenosha police have requested Walker be charged with first-degree reckless homicide.

No court date has been set.

In the meantime, police were continuing on Wednesday to look for Jeremy S. Powell, 18, of Racine, who reportedly was with Walker during the attack and is wanted for a probation violation.

A third man associated with the attack, Damon M. Rodriguez, 19, of Racine, reportedly turned himself in on Tuesday but has refused to be interviewed by detectives, citing his privilege to an attorney, Sgt. Hugh Rafferty said.

Rafferty said investigators are still conducting interviews and the investigation remains open.

“It’s just kind of bringing everything together,” Rafferty said. “The investigation lasts until we have sufficient information, things are corroborated and confirmed. You can never say ‘it’s going to happen quickly.’ The kind of information that comes to you kind of dictates how long it’s going to take.”

According to police, the men fled to the city’s north side where they are suspected of breaking into multiple cars about three hours after confronting Byars. A half-hour later, the men were linked to an armed robbery at a gas station in the 1900 block of 22nd Avenue.

At the time of Byars’ death, Walker, who has an extensive criminal history, was out of jail on bond for marijuana possession and carrying a concealed weapon. If convicted of first-degree reckless homicide, Walker faces up to 60 years in prison.