The New York Post reports:
A well-known GOP politico in Alabama has been charged with the “sexual torture” and murder of a man he knew. Kyle Hayden Lewter, 36, allegedly killed Derek Franklin Walls, 54, of Harvest, Alabama, last week during a “physical altercation,” according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities have released few details about the case, but say the sexual torture charge relates to alleged sexual abuse using an inanimate object.
It’s an eyebrow-raising twist to the tale that has captivated state political circles. Lewter previously served as campaign chairman for Alabama state Sen. Tom Butler and was also listed as vice-chair of the Madison County Young Republicans.
Huntsville’s CBS affiliate reports:
Records show that Lewter was booked into the jail at 6:56 p.m. Friday and is being held on a $60,000 bond. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office had said in a release Thursday that Lewter was arrested on the murder charge and was being held without bond in accordance with Aniah’s Law.
Madison County Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Brent Patterson said he could not share any additional details about Lewter’s case but did confirm that the two charges are related.
Authorities said that there appeared to have been a physical fight between the two men, which ultimately resulted in Walls’ death. The two men knew each other according to authorities.
Alabama young republicans county vice chairman & Senator Tom Butler’s campaign chairman, Kyle Lewter, has been arrested for sexual torture & murder. pic.twitter.com/xuw6exFlHD
— 𝐁𝐞𝐤𝐬 (@antifaoperative) March 9, 2024
An Alabama man charged with murder has apparent ties to the Alabama and Madison County GOP including working in state Senator Tom Butler’s office & ties to a young Republicans group https://t.co/R4mur8pogk
— Erik Larson (@eelarson) March 9, 2024