Claudell Walter, a 38-year-old basketball coach from Menifee, California, was shot and killed on June 1, 2019, around 10 p.m. He was ambushed and shot twice in the chest as he exited his Chevrolet Silverado in front of his 13-year-old son after returning from coaching games in Orange County. Walter was taken to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar and pronounced dead shortly after arrival; his son was unharmed.

Investigators say Othelon Dale Lyons, a convicted felon from Los Angeles, targeted Walter because Lyons believed Walter had stolen drugs. Detectives say Lyons had attached a GPS tracking device to Walter’s truck, monitored his movements, and waited in concealment near Walter’s home before the ambush. Surveillance placed Lyons’ vehicle near the scene, and jailhouse video and audio recordings of Lyons talking about the crime helped build the case. Lyons was arrested and charged with first-degree murder with a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait. In January 2022 a Murrieta jury found Lyons guilty and the judge imposed life without parole; the District Attorney did not seek the death penalty.

Walter’s family and community remembered him as a dedicated coach and father. If anyone knew Claudell Walter or has information about his movements that night, please come forward.