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Ethan Bert was identified by Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney Wes Nance a week after his remains were pulled from the burning vehicle found on Sandy Level Road, near the intersection with Goodview Road by the Bedford County Fire and Rescue at 12:45 a.m., as told to Daily Voice and reported by WDBJ.
The suspect, 29-year-old Joseph Richard Walker, of Roanoke City, was arrested in Florida for the "violent murder" by Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday, April 20, as stated in a release by the US Marshal Service.
The service had been tracking him in an attempt to end "a violent fugitive’s run from the law," as stated in the release.
Two stolen firearms and a large bag of marijuana were seized during his arrest, according to the release.
"Walker has an extensive criminal record, including distribution of marijuana, distribution of marijuana while in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon." the US Marshals said. Although the details of those previous convictions were unavailable when Daily Voice inquired.
Walker will be extradited to Bedford County, VA no later than the middle of next week, authorities told Daily Voice.
Bert and Walker knew each other, authorities in Virginia said.
Bert was known for being "kind, respectful, and genuine" according to his friend Kyler's mom, Tonya Robinson.
His two best friends were Kyler Jace Robinson, 20, and Wesley Owen Singh, 19, who died together in a car crash in Maryland on Sunday, June 19, 2022, as Daily Voice previously reported. The pair had a joint celebration of life, as we reported shortly after they were identified.
Bert was also known for being "so smart, kind, funny, loving, determined," his girlfriend Lea Beatty wrote in part. She also noted that "I don’t know if I will ever be okay but I know you would never want any of us to be sad and depressed you would want us to be happy and do nothing but good things in life and to cherish it. You were such a positive person and I learned so much from you."
Bert liked animals, cooking, and spending time with his friends and family, according to social media.
His funeral and memorial service details have yet to be released.
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