How a Rolex^® Helped Police Solve a Murder Case

The murder case of Albert Johnson Walker, infamously known as the "Rolex Killer," is a chilling testament to the dark intersection of financial fraud and brutal violence. Let's dive into the details of Walker's criminal activities, the investigation, and the significant role of the Rolex^® watch in bringing justice.

Who was Albert Johnson Walker and what were his early crimes?

Born in 1946 in Ontario, Canada, Albert Johnson Walker initially gained prominence as a successful businessman through his company, Walker Financial Services Inc. However, by 1990, his empire crumbled under the weight of fraudulent activities.

Walker had defrauded approximately 70 Canadian clients of $3.2 million, leading to charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering. Facing mounting legal troubles, Walker fled Canada for England in 1990 with his 15-year-old daughter, becoming one of Canada's most wanted fugitives and the second-most wanted by Interpol.

What new identity did Walker assume in England?

Settling in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Walker assumed a new identity as David Davis. He lived with his daughter, but strangely introduced her to people as his wife — presumably as an additional cover for his true identity.

How did Walker meet Ronald Joseph Platt?

A TV repairman by trade, mild-mannered Ronald Joseph Platt befriended Walker in Harrogate, England. Platt had also lived in Canada during his youth and later moved to England, so the pair had that in common.

The two became friends, and not long after, Walker entered into a business arrangement with Platt.

How did the new business lead to Platt's murder?

Walker started working with Platt for the purpose of using him as a front for a bogus company operation. This arrangement allowed Walker to launder cash through accounts in Switzerland and further his stay in Britain.

However, in a cunning twist, Walker persuaded Platt to move to Canada in 1992 — and stole his British identification documents, assuming his name. When Platt returned to England in 1995 and threatened Walker's cover, Walker saw him as a liability and decided to get rid of him.

How did Walker murder Platt?

On July 20, 1996, Walker lured Platt onto his 24-foot yacht, the Lady Jane, under the guise of a fishing trip. Once they were out at sea, Walker struck Platt from behind, rendering him unconscious with a blow to the head.

To ensure the body wouldn't be found, Walker then tied a 4.5-kilogram (10-pound) anchor to Platt's trouser belt and threw his friend's body overboard into the English Channel.

How was Platt's body found?

Platt's body was discovered only eight days later when a commercial fisherman named John Copik accidentally scooped Platt's body up in a fishing net and reported it to authorities.

Why was the case dubbed the 'Rolex Murder?'

The moniker "Rolex Murder" emerged from the crucial role that Platt's Rolex watch played in solving the case.

Once the body was recovered and police started their investigation, the 25-year-old Rolex watch they found on Platt's wrist became a key piece of evidence.

The watch's unique serial number, when traced through Rolex's meticulous service records, confirmed the identity of Ronald Platt. These records showed that Platt had serviced the watch in Harrogate during the 1980s, linking the watch directly to him.

How did the Rolex help determine the time of death?

The Rolex watch's power reserve feature proved instrumental in pinpointing the time of Platt's murder.

Known for its 48-hour power reserve, the Rolex had stopped working on a specific date. By subtracting the power reserve duration from the date displayed on the watch, investigators estimated the time of death.

Detective Superintendent Phil Sincock explained that the watch's power reserve allowed for a precise calculation, placing Platt's murder on July 20, 1996.

How did investigators trace the murder back to Walker?

Once police identified Platt, they discovered someone else (Walker) was living under his name, prompting a murder investigation.

As it turned out, the date of death established by the Rolex matched GPS data from Walker's yacht, placing it in the same area where Platt's body was found on the very same day.

Evidence seized by investigators from Walker's house included a receipt showing the purchase of an anchor. Furthermore, forensic tests identified zinc traces from the anchor on Platt's belt, as well as leather traces from the belt on the anchor.

To make things worse for Walker, hair samples found in his yacht, the Lady Jane, matched Platt's DNA.

What happened to Walker?

Based on all this evidence, authorities apprehended Walker on Oct. 31, 1997, and subsequently used it to convict him of murder in 1998. He received a life sentence.

In July 2007, Walker also received an additional four years of prison time for fraud in Canada.

What can we learn from this case?

The case of the "Rolex Killer" serves as a poignant example of how modern technology and attention to detail can intersect to unravel even the most complex of crimes.

References: The Rolex Murder: How police caught killer from a single clue | The Time a Rolex Watch Helped Solve a Murder Mystery