Rock star Dave Navarro — a former member of Jane’s Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as the former Mr. Carmen Electra — might, on the surface, seem an unlikely friend for “America’s Most Wanted” host John Walsh.
But there the pair were Thursday, catching up at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, which Walsh helped to found. What’s the connection? Well, 25 years ago, Navarro’s mother was murdered, and the case was one of the first that Walsh’s show ever took on. John Riccardi, the suspected murderer of Navarro’s mother, had been on the run for eight years when “AMW” ran the story. “AMW” hot line tips led FBI agents to his hiding place in Houston, and in 1994 Riccardi stood trial for the murder and was found guilty. Navarro has since become a huge advocate for the television show and a personal friend of Walsh’s, a museum spokeswoman said.
While Walsh was in town, he also found time to ride in Sunday’s Smithsonian Young Benefactor’s Cup polo match, which was delayed from its scheduled Saturday start due to rain. Also appearing were Ralph Lauren model/pro polo player Nacho Figueras and lobbyist Chet Lott. Participants and spectators later headed to the Mandarin Oriental hotel for the post-party.
