Man Charged In Homicide Of Racine Firefighter Found Dead: Police

RACINE, WI — A man who was accused of killing veteran Racine Firefighter Christopher Lalor was found dead in Florida on Wednesday, according to the Racine Police Department.

Peter James Lui, 51, of Racine, had been charged with 1st-degree intentional homicide and use of a dangerous weapon in Racine County Court. Police believed Lui had already fled the state, a criminal complaint indicated, and online records showed a $500,000 warrant for his arrest was issued. Lui was facing imprisonment for life.

On Wednesday afternoon the Jacksonville Florida Sheriff's Department told the Racine Police Department a body positively identified as Lui was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police were dispatched to a home on Pinehurst Avenue in Racine on Sunday for a death investigation, where a 50-year-old man and veteran firefighter, later identified in reports as Lalor, was found dead.

In the criminal complaint, Lui was described as a "longtime friend" and former roommate of the victim, and a motive was not immediately apparent. Security footage from the home where Lalor was found showed Lui's vehicle visiting before the death, according to the criminal complaint.

A search warrant at Lui's apartment found numerous guns and ammunition and a partially packed suitcase, the criminal complaint said.

Investigators found Lui's phone abandoned on Three Mile Road and learned his vehicle was traveling south on Interstate 94, the criminal complaint said.

Colleagues of Lalor spoke out about his death at a news conference on Tuesday.

"In losing Chris, the City of Racine has lost a good citizen. The Fire Department lost a good teammate and firefighter," Racine Fire Captain Craig Ford told reporters at the conference. "Let the legacy of firefighter Chris Lalor motivate you to lift up the community around you. Firefighter Chris Lalor will not be forgotten."

Racine police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Racine Police Department Investigations Unit at 262-635-7756.

Those with information who wish to remain anonymous were asked to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 262-636-9330.

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