Disclaimer: Article contains mentions of murder. Readers are advised to exercise caution.
The contract killing of drag racing icon Mickey Thompson and his wife
On March 16, 1988, unknown assailants shot drag racer Mickey Thompson and his wife Trudy to death in the driveway of their California home. The duo were reportedly shot and died from gunshot wounds. According to witnesses, two black men were responsible for the crime and left the scene after killing the couple. Although authorities launched an investigation, they were unable to find the perpetrators and the case remained cold for nearly 13 years. Eventually, however, police arrested a man named Michael Goodwin for plotting the murder of Mickey Thompson and his wife.
According to the true crime series Homicide: Los Angeles, authorities discovered the bodies of Mickey and Trudy Thompson in the driveway of their home. The couple was trying to leave the driveway of their home when two gunmen shot them, according to court documents. Meanwhile, witnesses claimed that one gunman pointed the gun at Mickey, while the other pointed his gun at Trudy. One witness claimed that the drag racer continued to beg for Trudy's wife before the gunman shot her.
Initially, authorities believed the attackers intended to rob the couple. However, the theory was dismissed when authorities discovered the money in Mickey Thompson's wallet, while Trudy Thompson's jewelry remained untouched. Police at the time labeled the incident a homicide and launched an investigation. Law enforcement agencies continued to search for the perpetrator for thirteen years, and in 2001, they finally had a breakthrough. According to the series, police arrested Michael Goodwin for planning the murder and charged him with conspiracy to commit murder.
