Republican politico, 36, is charged with 'sexual torture' and murder after his 54-year-old friend was found dead in Alabama home

A Republican politician was charged with 'sexual torture' and murder after a man was found dead in an Alabama home.

Kyle Hayden Lewter, 36, allegedly killed Derek Franklin Walls, 54, on March 6 during a 'physical altercation,' according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. 

Police discovered Walls' body the following day on Capshaw Road in Harvest, about 20 minutes west of Huntsville. 

It is unclear how Walls died but cops believe he endured injuries from the altercation. According to WAFF, an autopsy was completed on Friday but police have not released the cause of death. 

Police said that Lewter was already being held on murder charges when he was charged with sexual torture in relation to alleged sexual abuse with an inanimate object. 

It is unclear if this new charge is connected to the murder investigation. Police believe the two men knew each other and were friends. 

Kyle Hayden Lewter, a GOP campaign chairman, was charged with murder and 'sexual torture' after he allegedly killed Derek Franklin Walls. It is unclear if this new charge is connected to the murder investigation

Walls (left) was killed on March 6 during a 'physical altercation.' An autopsy was completed on Friday but police have not released the cause of death. (Pictured: Walls and his daughter Shelby Thorson)

His body was found the following day on Capshaw Road in Harvest. It is unclear how Walls died but cops believe he endured injuries from a 'physical altercation' 

Lewter was arrested and taken to Madison County Jail and is being held without bond, a decision made in accordance with Aniah's Law. 

Aniah's Law was created in honor of Aniah Blanchard, a young woman from Homewood, Alabama, who was kidnapped and killed in October 2019. 

The law allows a judge to deny bail for violent offenders and has been used in many cases since her tragic death. 

Walls' daughter Shelby Thorson created a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of funeral expenses for her father. 

'My dad's life was taken from him in the middle of the night on March 6,' she wrote. 

'Due to this unexpected passing nothing was in place to help with any of the funeral expenses. I would like to have a small service where everyone can get together in remembrance of my father.' 

As of Sunday afternoon, the donation page has raised $2,400 of its $5,000 goal. 

According to Lewter's social media posts, he has ties to the states GOP and worked for Senator Tom Butler as a campaign chairman. 

According to Lewter's social media posts, he has ties to the states GOP and worked for Senator Tom Butler (left) as a campaign chairman

He was also seen in a picture with US Senator Ted Cruz and was chosen to represent the 5th district of Alabama at the bi-annual YRFA state convention of the Young Republican Federation of Alabama

Lewter was paid more than $10,5000 in 2022 and 2023, according to records reviewed by WHNT. 

He was also seen in a picture with US Senator Ted Cruz and was chosen to represent the 5th district of Alabama at the bi-annual YRFA state convention of the Young Republican Federation of Alabama.

When asked for comment on the investigation, Butler told WAFF that he was 'speechless' and 'saddened for all families involved.' 

Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon declined to comment on the investigation but did say that he was 'very surprised and shocked at this.' 

On the donation page, Thorson said that they have raised enough money to have a 'beautiful service' for her father.  

A 'receiving of friends' ceremony is set to be held for Walls on Saturday at the Berryhill Funeral Home & Crematory, according to his obituary.