Michael Hunter
Real Name: Michael Hunter
Nicknames: No known nicknames
Location: Emeryville, California
Date: February 24, 1992
Case[]
Details: At 8:33pm on the night of February 24, 1992, thirty-year-old motorcyclist Michael Hunter pulled into a gas station in Emeryville, California near San Francisco. He was seen riding in an erratic fashion, weaving back and forth. Once he stopped, he fell off his motorcycle. Paramedics soon arrived in attempt to revive him; they were baffled by the lack of external injuries or blood.
Michael was later taken to the hospital where doctors discovered that he had been shot three times by a small caliber weapon. Sadly, he later died from those wounds. Police searched through his life in hopes of finding a motive for the murder. Since the 1980s, he was a competitive motorcyclist who had survived hundreds of dangerous competitions. He had no known enemies and police could find no reason for him to have been killed.
Investigators began looking into the night of the murder. It was unseasonably warm. They found that at 7:45pm, he left home on his motorcycle. He first stopped at an ATM about a half mile away, where he withdrew $20. Nothing appeared to be wrong on the ATM surveillance photos.
Michael then arrived at a liquor store a half block away and bought a pint of whiskey. It is unknown what happened next, but they traced his possible route to a frontage road three miles away from the gas station, known for its view of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is believed he might have met his killers at the viewpoint. They may have robbed him at gunpoint of his wallet. Investigators theorize that they demanded he give them his motorcycle as well. When he refused, they believe he was shot by them. Another theory is that he stumbled on something he should not have seen. Somehow, he was able to drive to the gas station several miles away. His family has raised a $10,000 award for tips to catch his killers. Investigators are hoping that witnesses will come forward to help solve this case.
Suspects: Although it is suspected that Michael's killers were robbers, no suspects have ever been identified.
Extra Notes: This case first aired on the February 10, 1993 episode.
Results: Unsolved. After Michael's murder a theory came up that he was murdered by some Asian gang members out of revenge. A year or so prior to his murder Micheal was drinking and driving and had accidentally side swiped a few cars belonging to some gang members while leaving a party. A few days before his murder one of the gang members had come into the dealership where Michael had worked to have a motorcycle serviced. He took notice that Micheal was one of the mechanics, he was surprised to see Micheal and said out loud, ” oh **** that’s the guy” and got out, however no new leads came from this and Michael's murder sadly remains unsolved.
Links:
- Michael Hunter on Unsolved.com
- Michael Hunter at Coldcaseworld.com
- (Google Groups Discussion) The Mike Hunter Reward Ride