- "What's going on, Madani?"
"Russo killed the old man." - ―Frank Castle and Dinah Madani[src]
The Murder of Arthur Walsh was an unplanned murder executed by Billy Russo.
Background[]
- "I used to head back and play stickball in the street. It didn't matter that I didn't have a uniform or a real diamond to play on. I loved it. But Arthur, he took that away from me."
- ―Billy Russo to Frank Castle[src]
During his time at the Ray of Hope group home, Billy Russo was a victim of an attempted molestation as a child. Fearing for his own safety, Russo attempted to defend himself with a stickball bat when Arthur Walsh was about to commit advances on him. Russo was severely injured by the perpetrator who proceeded to break his arm.[2] Many years later, the incident in Ray of Hope was remembered in Russo's mind as he told Frank Castle about it. On a different day, Russo and Frank Castle went to Walsh's house with the strong intention to revenge, however, he changed his mind when he saw him.
Now having his brain damaged, in the wake of a certain incident, Russo used Krista Dumont to escape from the custody in Sacred Saints Hospital. With little to no memories about the last several years, Russo managed to remember his group home decided to hide inside of there. However, the home was destroyed and rebuilt several years ago. Without any other place to go, Russo headed over to Walsh's Residence.[3]
Murder[]
Billy Russo inside Arthur Walsh's house
- "Remember when you come after me with that stick? Why the hell are you here? Whatever happened in your life ain't my fault. You can't escape your nature, kid."
- ―Arthur Walsh to Billy Russo[src]
Billy Russo managed to break into Arthur Walsh's house, however he did not recognize Russo, assuming that he was a robber. Russo reminded him about Ray of Hope, much to Walsh's surprise. Still anxious, Walsh gave Russo a cup of coffee with whiskey as they were talking about their past. Russo said that he could not remember what happened to his face but remembered Walsh's address.
Billy Russo becoming angry at Arthur Walsh
Walsh then got angry about his past with Ray of Hope residents and what had happened during his incarceration in Sing Sing. Walsh expressed his anger on Russo, saying that whatever happened in his life was not his fault. When Russo mentioned his service in United States Marine Corps, Walsh mockingly noted that all he got for his service was his scars, mocking him to the point that laughed at his face directly. As Walsh admitted that he was no longer good looking, Russo became fueled with anger and brutally murdered him.[3]
Aftermath[]
- "Looks like you have a homicide on your hands, Detective."
- ―Dinah Madani to Brett Mahoney[src]
Frank Castle informed Dinah Madani about Arthur Walsh and his connection with Billy Russo, and she quickly headed to Walsh's residence, however, Russo already escaped and all she found was his disfigured corpse. Hearing some kind of noise behind her, Madani mistook this as Russo and took a shot, however, it turned to be Brett Mahoney who came to investigate Russo's visit to Walsh. Mahoney survived getting shot, thanks to his Bulletproof Vest, he then angrily told Madani that it could've cost her badge.
Taking a moment to look at Walsh's corpse, Mahoney asked Madani that if he forgave her for shooting her, would she finally tell him what was going on with Russo and her own investigation. Refusing to answer and choosing to ignore Mahoney, Madani prepared to storm outside, causing Mahoney to threaten to arrest for obstruction of justice. Facing back at Mahoney, Madani noted that she is SAC of the Homeland Security and could not arrest her. With that said, Madani told Mahoney that he has a homicide crime on his hands and left Walsh's house.[3]