Sheriff's deputies say a witness saw the suspect, Jameson Witty, take parts off a tow truck that was taking the wreckage to an impound yard Saturday night. The tow truck driver reported the theft to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.
Officials say a stolen car part was recovered by sheriff's detectives who were serving a search warrant at a residence in Canyon Country. The car part was a red, T-top roof panel of the wrecked 2005 Porsche Carrera GT. Witty was arrested at his home, and his bail was set at $20,000.
The 18-year-old had proudly bragged and posted a picture of the stolen part on Instagram prior to his arrest. He is now facing charges of grand theft and tampering with evidence.
A second suspect, only described as 25 years old, has been identified and is expected to surrender shortly to authorities.
Walker, 40, and his friend, Roger Rodas, were killed on Saturday afternoon near Rye Canyon Loop and Kelly Johnson Parkway in Valencia when the Porsche hit a light pole and tree and then burst into flames.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but officials said the vehicle was likely speeding.
Meantime, a makeshift memorial continues to grow at the crash site as mourners gather to honor Walker and Rodas.
Sheriff's officials are deciding whether to remove the makeshift memorial at the crash site due to safety concerns over a public car rally and memorial service, planned for Sunday at the site. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend the event and authorities say extra patrols will be on duty.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station and the city of Santa Clarita are also urging the public to avoid the Rye Canyon Business Park Sunday as an overwhelming number of cars are anticipated in the area.
Beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, Kelly Johnson Parkway will become a one-way street, west of Constellation Road, and continue to Alta Vista Drive. Alta Vista Drive will be also become a one-way street, eastbound to Copper Hill Drive. Officials say there will be no westbound traffic on Alta Vista Drive or Constellation Road.
Traffic is anticipated to be the heaviest between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
