A man who strangled a woman and left her body in a wooded area in East Lawrence nearly 16 years ago will soon be up for parole.

Tyrone Walker pleaded no contest in 1992 in the death of Tamara Baker, a Trinidad native who lived in the 1100 block of Connecticut Street before disappearing on Halloween night in 1989.

An investigation led Lawrence Police to New York City in 1990 but Walker wasn’t found until 1992. A New York Police officer who was recruiting people in a homeless shelter to serve as volunteers in a police lineup saw Walker and recognized him as someone wanted in Lawrence.

Walker was brought back to Lawrence, where he was initially charged with first-degree murder but was allowed to plead to the lesser charge of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 12 years to life in prison.

Walker is currently held in the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. He first became eligible for parole two years ago but was denied.

The Kansas Parole Board will hold public comment sessions about prisoners who will be up for parole. Those who cannot attend may send written comments to the board at the Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Room 452, Topeka 66612-1220.

The comment session schedule:

¢ Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to noon, in Kansas City, Kan., City Hall, 701 N. Seventh St.

¢ Aug. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Wichita, Finney State Office Building, third floor, Room 3080, 230 William.

¢ Aug. 26, 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., in Topeka, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, Room 106A.