Washington D.C.

Lore & Background

John Clay Walker was born in Washington D.C. at Walter Reed Hospital. He later enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1968, served in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged after being wounded twice, receiving two Purple Hearts. Using the G.I. Bill, he attended the University of Minnesota and earned a B.A. in Journalism in 1976. He worked as a reporter and photographer at small papers in Minnesota and Iowa before relocating to Guadalajara, Mexico in 1983 for a sabbatical year to pursue a career as a novelist full-time.

Reader's Guide

Washington D.C. is mentioned only as the birthplace of John Clay Walker at Walter Reed Hospital. Walker's murder is depicted in the 7th episode of Narcos: Mexico, titled "Jefe de Jefes," where he was portrayed by Brian Buckley.

Did You Know?

• He earned a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Minnesota in 1976 using the G.I. Bill.
• Walker and his friend Albert Radelat were tortured with ice picks and killed by members of the Guadalajara Cartel on January 30, 1985.