Michael T. Walter"Mike is well-known not only for his passion for criminal justice, but also for his commitment and passion to bettering the lives of local youth," Col. Steven Flaherty, Virginia State Police Superintendent, said during a news conference at the scene of the crime Saturday. "Mike founded and ran a non-profit organization, the Powhatan Youth Wrestling and Community Development Corporation, through the Blackhawk gym. For him and [his wife] Jamie, this wasn't about making a profit. It was about making a difference for disadvantaged youth by mentoring them and fostering their talents through physical fitness and sportsmanship."
Officials with the group Walter founded released the following statement:
"Blackhawk Wrestling is shocked and saddened by the tragic murder of our Founder and President, Virginia State Police Special Agent Michael T. Walter. Coach Mike founded our organization in 2008 and has passionately built our club to the organization we are today. His passion for wrestling and unique networking ability stretched throughout the Virginia wrestling community and beyond. Coach Mike ensured that our organization stayed focused on not only wrestling as a sport but our more important goal of developing our members into solid citizens. He demanded a high standard of character, integrity, and personally encouraged and modeled for the youth in the community and the Blackhawk wrestlers the importance of making the right choices in life. Coach Mike measured our successes not just by wins and losses in the wrestling room, but by how many children and young adults were helped regardless of their past or their socio-economic status. As an organization, we will continue Coach Mike's legacy and outreach to the community."
Jessie Harris, a Powhatan resident who worked six years with Walter at Powhatan Youth Wrestling, said she was shocked to hear of his death because of the strength and goodness he projected.
"He seemed like an invincible person," Harris told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "He always kind of inspired other people with strength because of his."
"He was able to help any kind of kid who was coming from a bad situation, or even a kid who was in a great situation and just needed some sort of guidance or acceptance," Harris continued. "He really didn't turn a kid away. He was a protector. You really couldn't have found a better guy. He literally devoted his life to bettering communities and peoples' lives. The world is a sadder place without him in it."
According to Harris, Walter took no money from the wrestling club he founded and operated.
"All he took was just the success of the kids, and that was enough for him."
Born in Philadelphia, Michael Walter was a graduate of Schalick High School in Elmer, N.J. who went on to serve in the Marines. He had worked as a hospital security officer and an officer with Virginia Division of Capitol Police for two years before joining Virginia State Police in 1998.
Walter was with a Richmond police officer when the two approached a car parked along the curb on Friday evening. As the police officer talked to the driver, Walter was shot by the front seat passenger, who then fled the scene. The accused shooter was later apprehended in northern Virginia.
Walter was the 63rd Virginia state trooper killed in the line of duty since 1928 and the 11th in the past 11 years.
Walter is survived by his wife Jaime and three children.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be made public.
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