Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of murder. Readers are advised to exercise caution.
The contract killing of drag racing icon Mickey Thompson and his wife
Netflix's Homicide: Los Angeles investigates the murders of drag racer Mickey Thompson and his wife Trudy at the hands of his business partner-turned-murderer Michael Goodwin. The second episode, titled "Race Car Killer," reexamines the decades-old killings. It also delves into the high-profile case against Goodwin, who is now serving two consecutive life sentences.
Mickey Thompson reportedly rose to fame as the "Speed King" for his legendary role in revolutionizing drag racing. He began as a racer at age 25 and quickly became a builder and promoter, setting at least 500 speed records. Thompson's iconic racing career was cut short, however, when two gunmen shot him and his wife Trudy to death in March 1988. The murders occurred in the early morning hours in the driveway of their Bradbury, California home.
The murders of Mickey and Trudy Thomson remained cold until the arrest of Michael Goodwin, his former business partner. Goodwin was accused of planning the murders and the case later resulted in his conviction. The guilty verdict came despite a lack of physical evidence against him. Goodwin was given two consecutive life sentences, but the real killers have never been identified.
