Michael Goodwin Case...if You're Interested!

[Lucho]

Attached is a lengthy composite of several recent e-mails to us. If you are interested in the case or wish to be updated, dowload the attached "doc" file.

If you're not, sorry for the incovenience.

Lou Peralta
lou@bpmotorsports.net

[highonthai]

Interesting....
Thanks Lou


Scott

[5racer]

i used to trust the leagle system but if any of you have had to deal with them there as crooked as as they come its all about power and promotion and money and what ever you do dont step on there ego.if hes inocint i hope he puts them in jail much better than suein them for money.

[Rory]

Mr Peralta,

I think you would have to do better than telling me face to face after the murders that you didn't do it. Hell, If i hired 2 people to kill 2 other people in cold blood, I think I could say I didn't do it too, especially if it ment I didn't have to spend the rest of my life in prison. This is the same guy that Mickey Thompson told his family to be careful of because he had already been threatened by him and he believed he would act on those threats. Also, didn't Mike Goodwin jump up and leave the U.S. in his Yacht and sail for the Caribbean islands or something like that right after the murders, where he could not be found, only to come back to the states years later and then be arrested? Mike Goodwin had quite the motive to kill Mickey because Mickey won a lawsuit from Mike making him pay a couple hundred grand to him, which he was FURIOUS about. The courts have the right man, Mike Goodwin gets what he deserves.
Rory Ward.

[Tom_Willis]

They still haven't explained why the Orange County District Attorney's office is involved. The crime occured in Bradbury Estates, in Los Angeles county. So O C prosecutors have spent a lot of O C tax dollars to investigate a case outside of their jurisdiction. And L A county did decline to prosecute. There is something unexplained going on.

[picone]

Lou:

Friedman filed that in the Daily Journal for what? To show southern California of his innocence? That's what the courts are for. If that's all they've got for me to pick thru and get my sympathy, then I say the man better start enjoying his stay with the correctional facility.

I can't tell from your attachment who wrote this (you or the Journal);

"Rackauckas held Goodwin in jail illegally for 30 months until the case was dismissed by the 4th district appeal court, a 3-justice panel, whose unanimous opinion was there was no evidence to have ever charge Goodwin. The opinion was a stinging rebuke of Rackauckas’ office for charging Goodwin improperly/illegally. "

but that is about as misleading as it gets and the fact that he was charged twice is repeated over and over in your attachment in an attempt for sympathy. The defense was arguing with the OC prosecution over their jurisdiction because they think it was all planned in Laguna Beach at Goodwin's residence. They HAVE evidence to charge him! It was recommended by the appeals court that the OC prosecution hand their evidence over to the LA county courts for reconsideration on charging Goodwin...they reconsidered and they did charge him. Orange county wanted to go to trial and if Goodwin didn't do it then they could've gone to trial long ago and that would be the end of it. The double jeopardy law is there so they can't keep trying a man for the same crime. My sympathy isn't given to someone trying to avoid a murder charge on a jurisdiction technicality. The LA county Sheriffs think he is guilty, the Orange county district attorney thinks he's guilty and now the LA county district attorney thinks he's guilty. Don't you think it's time for Mike Goodwin to prove his innocence?

Their whole defense is that they didn't file charges for 13.75 years. The prosecution has said numerous times in numerous newspapers (posted on this site) that he was the #1 suspect for that 13.75 years (now 15 years and in two counties with two different prosecution teams).

The people who did the line up (apparently the smoking gun to this case which brought the charges) must have had a pretty good reason for calling the 1-800 # off America's most wanted after 13 years. Something has to stick out like a sore thumb to remember it for that many years. A man sitting in his car with a pair of binoculars for an extended period of time could do it (which is what they claim). They can't be discredited because a reward was offered and they couldn't pick Goodwin out because someone bore the likeness of Goodwin on the TV show. That's no way to discredit someone doing their civic duty. Is he trying to gain my sympathy by telling me that Goodwin is in the LA county jail? Cry me a river, that's where citizens await trial for murder. His extended stay is his lawyers doing in an attempt to get him off the hook on a jurisdiction technicality. Now there is no refute of the jurisdiction so where's the defense? No discrediting the motive? Yes there is a motive...$500,000 in a civil trial, bankrupting him. Now it's up to over $2,000,000 with interest, none of which have been paid to the Mickey Thompson Estate.

Whether you like the justice system or not, you've got to admire their (the justice system) perseverance in pursuing this case after 13 years! They've thought it was him for 13 years and they've taken as much time as necessary to make sure they don't hold him unjustly. Sounds like they made sure they've got the evidence to not let a criminal get away.

Mickey Thompson and his wife Trudy were killed in their driveway at their house, and although I didn't know them, they sure made a positive impact for a lot of people and I was VERY sad to hear of their death. I hope for the sake of his family and friends that justice is served and they can get some closure to this tragedy.

BTW - all of the data I refer to is a collection of info readily available on the internet thru published articles, in the newspapers and racing magazines.

[Lucho]

Firstly, I did not write any of the attachments, just copied them from what was sent to us. I prefaced them by indicating my own opinions and then I drew lines to the various articles I was just copying. I think I was clear on that.

But I'm a bit amazed at your statement: "Don't you think it's time for Mike Goodwin to prove his innocence?"

My question to you is; Don't you think you have that backwards? According to our laws, the State has to prove Michael Goodwin is guilty.

Being held for 30 months while someone tries to put together a case (actually it's been 13 years), even though it is in the wrong jurisdiction, seems a bit out of whack to me. Put yourself in his case: If you were innocent, wouldn't you want to get to trial fast? I wouldn’t want to be incarcerated for one day, while someone is figuring how to put a case together against me. No normal person would!

You have a couple of pieces of information incorrect:
Mike was interrogated a number of times after the murders. This went on for months. They had no reason to hold him.
Then Mike TOLD the police that unless they have something to charge him on, he would be going away for a while. He didn't flee; they didn't tell him not to leave the City, State or the Country. He had monetary and family problems and he wanted to get away.
(People need to read everything on the case to get a better picture.)

So Mike just decided to go sailing. During that time he wrote a couple of books and several of his photos and articles were published in a number of magazines. It certainly didn't seem to me that he was on the lamb. I kept getting letters and copies of the articles from him while he was away.
If I got them, I'm sure the investigators were also able to get them.
I even got a call from a detective (months later) who knew I have had business with both Mickey and Mike, and even had telephone records of their calls to me. He asked what I knew about things, and I told him everything I knew, including the calls and correspondence I had received from Mike after the murders.

A long time ago I expressed my opinion. The best way to settle this matter is to set bail for Mike. That should have been done before. If he indeed is guilty, he'd probably flee, and then prosecutors would have a better shot to get him.
However, if he's not guilty, he's not going away. He'll stay to fight in court. And then the prosecutors can take their sweet time getting all their evidence together, while Mike goes on with his life, not in jail but being productive on the outside. I think that's fair for both sides, don’t you think?

I don't wish to rush to judgment, even after all these years. If indeed one day Mike is proven guilty, and was able to dupe me and others, then I say he deserves what he gets.
However, if one day we find out that he was not guilty; can you possibly imagine the suffering, pain and mind-numbing persecution he has had to put up with for not only these 30 months but for 13 years? Can you not agree that he deserves all the apologies and compensation he can get from those rascals?

That's my opinion.

Lucho

[class7s]

Where was Michael living during the time of the murder? If he was living in any part or had an office Orange county could havce a case. If they thought the murder was conspired thier and committed in any part of California they would have the right to chrage him. If it was done from Orange County and out of the state would be talking Federal murder charges.

[picone]

[ QUOTE ]
But I'm a bit amazed at your statement: "Don't you think it's time for Mike Goodwin to prove his innocence?"

My question to you is; Don't you think you have that backwards? According to our laws, the State has to prove Michael Goodwin is guilty.

[/ QUOTE ]

Take that as, "start making a better defense" because he is probably going to go to trial this time. His defense better start trying to defend him instead of trying to get him off on a technicality.

[ QUOTE ]
Being held for 30 months while someone tries to put together a case (actually it's been 13 years), even though it is in the wrong jurisdiction, seems a bit out of whack to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

I said this in my last post but I don't mind repeating it. The prosecution wasn't building their case (they did that over the previous 13 years), he was in there for 30 months because his attorney's were trying to get him released due to a juristiction dispute. They succeeded but, it jsut got handed over to the LA courts.

[ QUOTE ]
Put yourself in his case: If you were innocent, wouldn't you want to get to trial fast? I wouldn’t want to be incarcerated for one day, while someone is figuring how to put a case together against me. No normal person would!


[/ QUOTE ]
I absolutely would want a speedy trial, in fact, I have a right to a speedy trial, so does he. I hope it does go to trial for everyone's sake, apparently Goodwin isn't the one who doesn't. They aren't trying to put the case together, they've got what they are going to get.

[ QUOTE ]
You have a couple of pieces of information incorrect:
Mike was interrogated a number of times after the murders. This went on for months. They had no reason to hold him.
Then Mike TOLD the police that unless they have something to charge him on, he would be going away for a while. He didn't flee; they didn't tell him not to leave the City, State or the Country. He had monetary and family problems and he wanted to get away.
(People need to read everything on the case to get a better picture.)
So Mike just decided to go sailing. During that time he wrote a couple of books and several of his photos and articles were published in a number of magazines. It certainly didn't seem to me that he was on the lamb. I kept getting letters and copies of the articles from him while he was away.


[/ QUOTE ]
I'm not incorrect because I didn't say anything about sailing or being interrogated numerous times. If you are directing this towards Rory...by all means.

[ QUOTE ]
A long time ago I expressed my opinion. The best way to settle this matter is to set bail for Mike. That should have been done before. If he indeed is guilty, he'd probably flee, and then prosecutors would have a better shot to get him.
However, if he's not guilty, he's not going away. He'll stay to fight in court. And then the prosecutors can take their sweet time getting all their evidence together, while Mike goes on with his life, not in jail but being productive on the outside. I think that's fair for both sides, don’t you think?


[/ QUOTE ]
It doesn't matter what you or I think. It's futile to even wonder what he would do. It's the judges call whether or not there is a risk of the guy fleeing. They did take their sweet a$$ time getting all their evidence together...13 years, 9 months.
[ QUOTE ]
I don't wish to rush to judgment, even after all these years. If indeed one day Mike is proven guilty, and was able to dupe me and others, then I say he deserves what he gets.
However, if one day we find out that he was not guilty; can you possibly imagine the suffering, pain and mind-numbing persecution he has had to put up with for not only these 30 months but for 13 years? Can you not agree that he deserves all the apologies and compensation he can get from those rascals?


[/ QUOTE ]
It's not about duping you. You must admit that getting away with murder would include fooling your friends. I don't blame you for not wanting to think your friend is a murderer, but consider this, unless you are a murderer, why would you think you could tell if someone else is? Although he doesn't sound like the greatest guy to be associated with, I don't blame you for being the guys friend, but please, become informed of why he's been in jail for 30 months, I told you in my last post and this post. If you don't believe me, look it up for yourself, it's not hard to find.

PS - If you are a murderer and you can tell, I might be in a lot of trouble down here in guatemala.

[Junior]

"Mike just decided to go sailing"

Jahahahahaha!!!

[fathead]

come on,, O.J was just "going for a drive" (with a police escort)
http://www.race-dezert.com/vb3/attachments/old/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[shrek]

Fox News Reporting

Goodwin Found Guilty In Mickey Thompson Murder Trial
A former racing promoter was convicted Thursday of orchestrating the 1988
slayings of auto racing legend Mickey Thompson and his wife in front of their
Bradbury home.

[Waldo]

AP

Goodwin Found Guilty of Thompson Murders
Last Edited: Thursday, 04 Jan 2007, 12:04 PM PST
Created: Thursday, 04 Jan 2007, 12:04 PM PST
By LINDA DEUTSCH
AP Special Correspondent
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- Michael Goodwin, a once high-living motorsports promoter, was convicted of two counts of murder Thursday in the 1988 killings of Mickey Thompson and the racing legend's wife.
The jury also found that special circumstance allegations of lying in wait and multiple murder were true. The prosecution has said it will not seek the death penalty.
Goodwin, who was accused of planning the murders and hiring hit men to commit them, only shook his head slightly back and forth when the verdicts were read.
Goodwin was a former business partner of Thompson, a racer who pursued land-speed records on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah and drove everything from dragsters and funny cars to midgets, and was a major figure in popularizing off-road contests.
The killing of Thompson and his wife, Trudy, seemed to be the ultimate "cold case," but it did not die because of the efforts of Thompson's sister, Collene Campbell, who insisted that investigators pursue the case for more than 18 years.
In the beginning, it seemed to be the perfect crime. Two unknown assailants on bicycles penetrated the gated confines of Thompson's home, shot him and his wife as they left for work, then escaped through a wooded area where a car could not have traveled.
Neighbors described hearing screams and seeing two men pedaling away. One neighbor actually tried to shoot at them but was too far away and too late to do any good. The men were never seen again. As years passed without strong evidence, the case was considered closed. But Thompson's sister, a former mayor of San Juan Capistrano with wide political connections, pressed authorities to reopen the murder case and look at Goodwin as a suspect.
Eyewitness identifications didn't help much. The only witness to see the killings was a 14-year-old girl who testified at the trial.
As an adult she claimed her memory of events was good, but defense attorneys questioned that. A couple who claimed to have seen Goodwin casing the area with binoculars before the killings did not come forward until 13 years after the crime when they saw a TV show about it that they said triggered their memories.
At the six-week trial, Goodwin's attorney presented testimony from a psychologist who said memories fade quickly and suggested that a 13-year-old identification would not be trustworthy.
Lacking direct evidence, the prosecution put on a strong circumstantial case, alleging that Goodwin arranged the March 16, 1988, slayings of Thompson, 59, and his 41-year-old wife as revenge for a soured business deal. They showed that Goodwin and Thompson entered into a partnership to stage motocross racing events -- a business that failed.
The partnership disintegrated into a bitter legal battle and Thompson, who claimed he was cheated, won a legal judgment of more than $700,000 against Goodwin.
They showed that Goodwin, 61, liquidated his assets around the time of the killings, bought a $400,000 yacht and sailed off with his then-wife to spend three years in the Caribbean and elsewhere.
Goodwin was arrested in 2001 when he returned to the United States and has been held without bail.
His lawyer contended he was innocent and that the killings occurred during a robbery attempt. The defense contended Goodwin was a victim of false assumptions and of TV shows that created a "folklore" and prompted people to come forward with unsubstantiated accounts.
Numerous witnesses gave accounts of Goodwin threatening to kill Thompson, saying Goodwin confided he planned to "waste him," "take care of him" and see him dead before he would pay him a dime. One witness reported hearing Goodwin say: "I'll kill him.... I can get it done for 50 grand."
His own attorney acknowledged that Goodwin may have been "a jerk," but said he was not a killer.
During every day of the trial, Thompson's sister sat in court with her husband, Gary Campbell, and stared at Goodwin.
"This has been a long endurance race for justice," she said when the trial began. "We don't plan to drop out till we get to the finish line."
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

[Tacochase]

It's about time!

[johnnyweb]

good to see some justice served!!

[Mark Newhan]

Now the Thompson family can have some closure.

[racecodriver]

Awesome.

Great news for Colleen and Danny. I know it wont bring them back but
finally some sort of closure.

[cheap jeep creep]

lets hang him!!!

[ARCRacing]

good to see some justice served!! Dont get to excited yet the DA is going to try and push the death penalty. This starts an entire series of appeals. It is California state law that if someone is given the death sentence then the case starts an appeal process to assure there were not an mistakes in the trial. It will be years before this is over. To be really honest at this point I wish Goodwin would make a deal for life in prison and give up the persons responsible for the actual killings.

[NIKAL]

Dont get to excited yet the DA is going to try and push the death penalty. This starts an entire series of appeals. It is California state law that if someone is given the death sentence then the case starts an appeal process to assure there were not an mistakes in the trial. It will be years before this is over. To be really honest at this point I wish Goodwin would make a deal for life in prison and give up the persons responsible for the actual killings.

In the artical it said that the prosecution will not seek the death penalty.

[ChuckH]

If i remember correctly the DA said he wasn't going for the death penalty before the trial, he was going for life without parole, it will likely get appealed any way.

[ARCRacing]

In the artical it said that the prosecution will not seek the death penalty.Thank you I misread the article. Where I think I confused the issue is most all of the time when a jury finds special circumstance of lying in Waite and multiple murders the death sentence is asked for.

[ARCRacing]

If i remember correctly the DA said he wasn't going for the death penalty before the trial, he was going for life without parole, it will likely get appealed any way. Chuck you are correct I didn't read the earlier post correctly. I am sure with the mutiple fillings and some of the earlier issue you and I have posted in the past an appeal is bound to happen.

[Dan McMillin]

lets hang him!!!

Im with you! Losing a legend to a loser deserves a hanging!

[AzBajaman]

Now the Thompson family can have some closure.


I second that..........

[sparkypyro]

They should use the threat of the death penalty as a way to get him to talk. Make a deal with him(Sucks I know), to find the actual shooters.

[#1PatDeanFan]

lets hang him!!!

I agree.....I'll get the rope!:mad:

[Paul Jacobs]

To hang him would be too humane.
He should be bled out. like Mickey and Trudy did when he had them shot.
If you murder someone, your life should be snuffed out in the same manner.

[RacingOne]

Finally some closure for Colleen, God rest there souls Mickey and Trudy!

God Speed!!!

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I hope some day the scum with the guns get it too...

[RG1Baja]

A little overdue but better late then never.

[HTTP404]

I hope some day the scum with the guns get it too...

There is a good chance they already have. :cool:

[picone]

Dont get to excited yet the DA is going to try and push the death penalty. This starts an entire series of appeals. It is California state law that if someone is given the death sentence then the case starts an appeal process to assure there were not an mistakes in the trial. It will be years before this is over. To be really honest at this point I wish Goodwin would make a deal for life in prison and give up the persons responsible for the actual killings.

Excellent point as to why they DIDN'T push the death penalty. Isn't it hard to push the death penalty on a case that is based on circumstatial evidence anyway (not sure if circumstantial evidence is the correct term for this type of case)?

PS - How do the Goodwin supporters feel? -
http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9934&highlight=goodwin

[picone]

I don't wish to rush to judgment, even after all these years. If indeed one day Mike is proven guilty, and was able to dupe me and others, then I say he deserves what he gets.
However, if one day we find out that he was not guilty; can you possibly imagine the suffering, pain and mind-numbing persecution he has had to put up with for not only these 30 months but for 13 years? Can you not agree that he deserves all the apologies and compensation he can get from those rascals?

That's my opinion.

Lucho

I would say that it's got to be tough for the friends and families of the Goodwins and Thompsons. From reading the information before & during the case, Goodwin looked guilty as sin. To see the jury come to the same conclusion is somewhat filling and brings closure to an event that happened 18 years ago. Today is still a sad day for everyone.

Lou, any comments?

Dominic Picone

[cheap jeep creep]

right before mickey thompsons death mickey orderd a Chevy 1/2 ton pick up and then he was killed my uncle some how got the truck brand new and he says it was a lemon every thing went wrong with it stuff that you never even hear about stuff breaking on a daily driver my uncle thinks it was cursed so he got ride of it abut a year or so later

[cheap jeep creep]

I agree.....I'll get the rope!:mad:
hanging him is to nice lets tie rope to arms and legs and pull him apart with tt

[megaton]

Send him to mexico,one shot,one kill.

[FatCity]

Man convicted in murder of auto racer Mickey Thompson and Thompson's wife
Posted 1/4/2007 5:57 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this



By Linda Deutsch, AP Special Correspondent
PASADENA, Calif. — An auto racing promoter was convicted Thursday in the slayings of racing legend Mickey Thompson and his wife, who were shot to death in 1988 while leaving their gated home for work.
Michael Goodwin was a former business partner of Thompson, a motorsports figure who pursued land-speed records in Utah and drove everything from dragsters to midget cars.

Goodwin, 61, was accused of sending hit men to kill the couple as revenge for a business deal that went sour and led to a legal judgment of more than $700,000 against Goodwin.

When the verdict was read, Goodwin only shook his head slightly back and forth. He could get up to life in prison.

Two unknown assailants on bicycles entered Thompson's gated home on March 16, 1988, and shot him and his wife as they left for work. The attackers then escaped through woods where a car could not have traveled.

Neighbors described hearing screams and seeing two men pedaling away. One actually tried to shoot at the attackers but was too far away and too late to stop them. The men were never seen again.

As years passed without strong evidence, the case was considered closed. But Thompson's sister, a former mayor of San Juan Capistrano with wide political connections, pressed authorities to look at Goodwin as a suspect.

On Thursday outside the courthouse, Collene Campbell waved a checkered flag and said, "This is for Mickey."

Public Defender Elena Saris said the defense planned to appeal.

"We don't believe justice was served," Saris said. "We believe passion controlled and there was a Hollywood version of events."

Deputy District attorney Pat Dixon said the case will never be fully closed until the actual killers are caught. "This shows the system does work even if it sometimes works slowly," Dixon said.

Goodwin's attorney contended the slayings happened during a robbery, but numerous witnesses gave accounts of Goodwin threatening to kill Thompson. One witness reported hearing Goodwin say: "I'll kill him. ... I can get it done for 50 grand."

Prosecutors showed that Goodwin liquidated his assets around the time of the killings, bought a $400,000 yacht and sailed off to the Caribbean and elsewhere. He was arrested in 2001 when he returned to the United States.

[buggyracer1677]

Yeah I agree find the two gun men then let the family members deal with them in their own way, sucks tax payers have to pay for low lifes like this to sit on their butts in jail.

[Dave_G]

Goodwin arranged the March 16, 1988, slayings of Thompson, 59, and his 41-year-old wife as revenge for a soured business deal.

Damn, I knew both Mickey and Trudy and it has just now sunk into my thick head that Trudy was only 41 when she was killed. If there was anyone in this world who didn't deserve that kind of ending it was Trudy. I just turned 46 the other day and it just doesn't make sence in my head that she's been gone that long. I'm gald they finally got that f'ing bas*ard. I hope he rots in hell...

[Vtr_Racing]

Mickey and Trudy, RIP.

[mark@PhotoAhead]

Give him life at the worst prison and just toss him in with the general population.

Let him wish he was dead.

[Tacochase]

Pelican Bay would be a good place for him.

[Lance T]

I hope someday that the shooters will be found. They may be dead or already in prison but it would be nice to identify them. If they are alive it we be nice to make them dead!

Can you imagine how Collene Campbell feels right now? She has worked a long time and so hard for this...I hope this will bring some peace and closure to her.

[Waldo]

There's a lot to be said about our court system, right or wrong. Some lawyers do a better job than others that's for sure. I wasnt' there and I can't imagine being a juror in any murder trial. Obviously there was enough circumstantial evidence to convict (I'm sure that's quite difficult)...I find it very hard to believe that Mickey's sister would have ANY influence upon the jury. Criminal cases are decided BEYOND a resaonable doubt which is why I support the ruling.

[Dave_G]

I hope someday that the shooters will be found. They may be dead or already in prison but it would be nice to identify them.

The shooters were Jamican nationals and were believed to be killed in Florida shortly after the murders of Micky and Trudy.

[ARCRacing]

There's a lot to be said about our court system, right or wrong. Some lawyers do a better job than others that's for sure. I wasnt' there and I can't imagine being a juror in any murder trial. Obviously there was enough circumstantial evidence to convict (I'm sure that's quite difficult)...I find it very hard to believe that Mickey's sister would have ANY influence upon the jury. Criminal cases are decided BEYOND a resaonable doubt which is why I support the ruling.The influence that Mickey’s sister had was that she was the Mayor of one of Orange county’s cities. She had some influence with the DA’s office and more then likely used it. Where there seems to be question of ethics is the connection between his sister and the fact she used her political clout to get charges filed against Michael Goodwin. (I am not saying he is not guilty nor am I saying he is.) Charges were never filed by the LA DA Garcettii because he felt there was not enough evidence to convict. It was only after Orange County filed charges and the Appeals court dismissed the charges that LA filed. It had the appearance that LA only filed to protect Orange County from a law suite for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Is Goodwin guilty? Who knows for sure the mistakes he made are making statements he was going to have Mickey killed for 50,000 dollars and liquidating all of his assets after Mickey’s death buying a 400,000 dollar boat and fleeing to the Caribbean for 13 years. His actions made him look guilty. The tragedy is there are two piles of crap running around out there that we know are responsible for killing the Thompson’s.

[motochris]

The shooters were Jamican nationals and were believed to be killed in Florida shortly after the murders of Micky and Trudy.

Objection.....speculative your honor.

[ChuckH]

First i would like to say good chance he did it, but i would need to see something to prove it.

Does this mean OJ is Innocent !!!

OJ proved that a jury can make a mistake, having a good salesman ( attorney ) and a judge who doesn't let into trial all the info like with Eto (sp?) can change a case by the jury not seeing all of the case, several in the jury on the OJ case after seeing all the info "After" the trial said they would have ruled different if given another chance.

People who after being found guilty in a similar way who where later found to be innocent only by DNA, a few spent more that 10-15 years in jail.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sheppard/cleared.html

188 cleared by DNA on this site ( site down when i posted link)
http://www.innocenceproject.org

[Waldo]

The influence that Mickey’s sister had was that she was the Mayor of one of Orange county’s cities. She had some influence with the DA’s office and more then likely used it. Where there seems to be question of ethics is the connection between his sister and the fact she used her political clout to get charges filed against Michael Goodwin. (I am not saying he is not guilty nor am I saying he is.) Charges were never filed by the LA DA Garcettii because he felt there was not enough evidence to convict. It was only after Orange County filed charges and the Appeals court dismissed the charges that LA filed. It had the appearance that LA only filed to protect Orange County from a law suite for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Is Goodwin guilty? Who knows for sure the mistakes he made are making statements he was going to have Mickey killed for 50,000 dollars and liquidating all of his assets after Mickey’s death buying a 400,000 dollar boat and fleeing to the Caribbean for 13 years. His actions made him look guilty. The tragedy is there are two piles of crap running around out there that we know are responsible for killing the Thompson’s.
Understood, and that's why I only mentioned her influence upon the jury and not the DAs. I still think is extremely hard to convict with circumstantial evidence.

[Lucho]

Picone, I wish I could say that the case is closed; Mike Goodwin has been found guilty, so let's move on...

But I can't. Because I'm easily reminded of the countless of people who have been wrongly incarcerated by zealots: Prosecutors, DAs, Governors (many who want to be elected or re-elected), and family members who just want "closure" by finding a person or persons "guilty", no matter who it is or what the evidence shows, even if it’s only circumstantial. And it’s also scary because by a stroke of bad luck, anyone of us could wind up fighting for our lives. I’m especially sensitive to this as my wife and I spent two years fighting a “zealot” Sheriff, who recruited other public servants to testify against us. Fortunately, we won, but it took a lot out of us.

However, I need not go too far to use an example of this; than in recent months and days:

Three individuals at Duke University were charged with "rape" and sodomy and several other felonious counts against a black young lady named "Precious." For all intents and purposes, the City, the DA, the Durham, North Carolina public and most unfortunate, the mass-media, all but convicted the three. Many thought that the trial was just an exercise. THEY WERE GUILTY. Days, weeks and months were devoted by the networks and cable news shows, “Talking Heads”, prominent Blacks, etc., to sensationalize the case by using these three young men as their sacrificial lambs.

Now we're finding out differently, aren't we?
• The "rape" charges have been dropped against all three
• There was never ever any DNA evidence that tied any of the three to the case, or for that matter, ALL 46 members of the Duke Lacrosse team.
• Now, it seems, the so-called “victim” is not sure whether there was penetration or not, or even if she was abused—she was too drunk.
• In fact, many of the pillars of the Black Community are now back-pedaling (Sharpton, Jackson, et. al.), or become conspicuously silent.
• The DA himself is being sanctioned by the State Bar Association for his erroneous tactics and malfeasance of office, by influencing the Jury pool and the press
• The DA is also in hot water for withholding evidence that would have stopped the case cold, months ago
• And even after all of the above evidence to the contrary, District Attorney Mike Nifong still has these three young men charged with kidnapping and assault. As of this morning, even that case is crumbling and it looks like by the end of the week or perhaps next, Nifong may be out of office.

So with recent evidence such as this latest one, and reading the hundreds of cases that have been wrongly adjudicated (as shown in this forum above and in other sites), plus knowing what I know about the case and its history, combined with the many erroneous things that have been attributed to Goodwin saying or doing, etc., still, I’m not sure that Mike Goodwin is guilty.

Unfortunately, as good as our legal system is, it is also terribly flawed in many areas, especially when money and one-sided influence is no object.

Just recently, I downloaded a large number of articles written by a number of people across this Country who showed the many flaws in the case made by the prosecutors. The “hearsay” evidence presented, the purported inside knowledge that only proved to be rumor and innuendos, and such, only proved that people can be easily swayed. In essence none showed a clear picture.

So to answer Dominic Picone’s question to me (posted above) about my comments: I feel I need to go back and re-read the entire court transcript of the case. It’s available. And when I’m done with it (if my opinion matters to any), I will honestly say whether the jury was right in this case or not.

Needless to say, there will be appeals, so I’m sure “closure” is not in the near future. In the meantime, as I will do, I suggest some of you to do likewise, if you are really interested, study the transcripts. Only then (I’d say), your educated opinion will really mean something.

Lastly, as someone in this forum said, “it’s a sad day for both families,” and indeed for our community. Unfortunately, I truly believe that we will never find the two killers, as I believe they were dropped over the Ocean between here and Haiti. That’s just my opinion.

Lucho

[picone]

The influence that Mickey’s sister had was that she was the Mayor of one of Orange county’s cities. She had some influence with the DA’s office and more then likely used it. Where there seems to be question of ethics is the connection between his sister and the fact she used her political clout to get charges filed against Michael Goodwin.
the OC DA let that case rot for 13 years (while Mickey's sister was mayor) until the America's most wanted people came forward.

Charges were never filed by the LA DA Garcettii because he felt there was not enough evidence to convict. It was only after Orange County filed charges and the Appeals court dismissed the charges that LA filed. It had the appearance that LA only filed to protect Orange County from a law suite for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
LA didn't charge him because OC would have had a stonger case had they gotten the jurisdiction to charge him. That means that the judge thought he was plotting the murders at his house in Laguna (very strong influence on the jury). That didn't fly but they still thought they had a case and sent it over to LA.

It had the appearance that LA only filed to protect Orange County from a law suite for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution.
Maybe the LA DA charged Goodwin because they thought they could get a conviction. Afterall, they did and it has to be hard to get a conviction in a circumstantial case.

You are right about Goodwin looking guilty for cashing out and telling everyone that he's going to kill Mickey then take off on a boat for a few years (I remember 3 or 4 not 13). Was the $50k what he told everyone it took to have him killed? I know the court case that Mickey won was like $500k to $700k.

[picone]

Just recently, I downloaded a large number of articles written by a number of people across this Country who showed the many flaws in the case made by the prosecutors. The “hearsay” evidence presented, the purported inside knowledge that only proved to be rumor and innuendos, and such, only proved that people can be easily swayed. In essence none showed a clear picture.

So to answer Dominic Picone’s question to me (posted above) about my comments: I feel I need to go back and re-read the entire court transcript of the case. It’s available. And when I’m done with it (if my opinion matters to any), I will honestly say whether the jury was right in this case or not.

Where did you find the articles and how do you get teh transcripts?

[Lucho]

Try this one. The documents are not yet up:

http://www.google.com/pagead/iclk?sa=l&ai=BH9oXZtaeRfv1NZKuggPN1ZDiC-D3iBmMz9rNApzo96ILsNsGEAUYBSgHMABQof670QJgyY7Uhsij kBmYAdJ3oAHkgtn9A6oBIFJOV0UrUk5XRToyMDA1LTI0K1JOV0 U6ZW4rUk5XRTpOyAEBgAIB&num=5&adurl=http://www.Find-Court-Records.org/court_records.php%3Fkw%3DCourt%2BTranscripts

I will try to find the articles shortly and post them accordingly.

Lucho

[Lucho]

Here's something you might be interested in:
http://justiceontrial.org/index.htm

And here's the link to a lot of articles about the case:
http://justiceontrial.org/articles/pros_mg.htm

[Old School 8]

Unfortunately, I truly believe that we will never find the two killers, as I believe they were dropped over the Ocean between here and Haiti


I think that as one gets older and wiser, you can literally find everyday examples of the old sayings that you parents used to tell you.

I have always found this one to be true...."What comes around, goes around"

[Lucho]

Yes, it's true. Never knew they were that smart.

Here are other articles of interest:

MURDER TRIAL JURY DELIBERATIONS CONTINUED TO JANUARY 2nd .

JURISTS HOME FOR CHRISTMAS - GOODWIN'S 5TH IN JAIL: On Thursday, December 21st, jurists in the Mickey Thompson murder trial were sent home for the holidays after hearing testimony of two prosecution witnesses read back by the court reporter. Meanwhile, Michael Goodwin, the man charged with the crimes, prepared to spend his 5th Christmas behind bars. Goodwin was arrested, on evidence later proven false and dropped by the D.A., on December 13th, 2001.

PROSECUTORS ALLEGE "HATE" KILLING: Goodwin, the creator of the sport of Supercross, and Thompson, holder of over 400 speed records, attempted a business merger in 1984 but the trial association lasted less than four months. Thompson sued Goodwin and eventually won a $513,000 judgment that, over the 3 ? years of Goodwin appeals, swelled to $793,000. In spite of the fact that a settlement of the dispute had been agreed upon and documents were being prepared for Thompson's signature, prosecutors alleged that Goodwin hired “hit men” to murder Thompson, thwarting that settlement, and ordered them to be sure that his wife, Trudy, was murdered while Mickey watched before he was executed. Prosecutors postulated this theory even though the bodies were found 125 feet apart.

KILLERS WERE INEPT "PROFESSIONALS:" Thompson's killers, who were said to be “pros” by the prosecutors, fired, without silencers, wildly 11 times, misfiring, dropping 2 unspent shells. They have never been identified. There is not now, nor has there ever been, any evidence that Goodwin had anything to do with the hiring of these murderers. In fact, investigators dropped the investigation to find the killers, even though their apprehension would probably have pointed to who hired them.

INVESTIGATORS DROP SEARCH FOR KILLERS: DNA evidence that may identified the killers was ignored, some of it still in a sealed envelope. Investigators had in custody a suspect against whom there was a plethora of direct evidence, including identification and/or descriptions by 7 witnesses, confessions, failed polygraph exams, and more, but they released him and dropped further investigation when it was learned he had no connection to Goodwin. Prosecutor Jackson fought to keep this evidence out of the trial as it would have almost certainly affected the verdict and the judge agreed, citing this as “irrelevant.”


10 YEARS LATER, "WITNESSES" COME FORWARD------------
ONLY AFTER $1 MILLION MEGA-REWARD OFFERED: Thompson murder trial prosecutors base their case on the testimony of witnesses who allegedly overheard Goodwin threaten Thompson or Thompson told them of such threats. However, most of the “witnesses” who came forward only did so more than 10 years after the murders and following the announcement on more than a dozen national TV programs of a $1 million mega-reward. The programs featured extensive video and still photographs of Michael Goodwin with statements such as “…all the evidence points to Goodwin…” when, in fact, none of it did.

"NO ONE REPORTS THREATS TO ANYONE:" The original police investigative team discounted the “threats” since only Thompson's sister and a former business associate, Bill Wilson, reported “threats,” and neither of them made police reports, (Wilson was a former L.A.P.D. homicide detective), prior to the murders. It is well known that neither Mickey, nor his wife or sister or anyone else, ever reported any such “threats” prior to the murders. Although Thompson's attorneys were negotiating with Goodwin's attorneys on a nearly $800,000 dispute, strangely, Mickey made no reports of threats to any of his attorneys.

UNRELATED SUSPECTS SAID TO BE GOODWIN: Mickey Thompson murder trial prosecutors allege that Goodwin was spotted by two witnesses “casing” the Bradbury residence of the Thompson's several days prior to the murders. Prosecutors told the jurors that Goodwin was positively identified. Yet, the suspects in the car were peering through binoculars at an elementary school and the witnesses saw them for only an instant, the binoculars and a cap obscuring a good look at the driver's face.

WITNESSES CHANGE TESTIMONY TO ENHANCE PROSECUTION "CASE:" These witnesses had difficulty at the initial lineup picking Goodwin's photo from 6 photos, 5 of them dissimilar looking men, even though they originally reported seeing Goodwin on the TV programs announcing the $1 million mega-reward. Witnesses were unsure if the second suspect was Afro American. One witness initially stated she was not sure if there was anyone in the car but, 3 years later, pointed Goodwin out across the courtroom as “…the man I saw in the car.” Where these suspects were seated, more than ? mile from the Thompson residence, down a long, winding road and on the other side of a hill, it would have been impossible to see the Thompson's house, even with binoculars and the route past the witnesses' home was one of only two exits from Bradbury. So it will be up to jurors to figure out what anyone could possibly have been “casing” related to the Thompsons.

MILLIONS SPENT ON 2 PHONY PROSECUTIONS: The Thompson murder trial jurors have a lot to think about over the holidays. It is easy to see how they would wonder why more than $5 million has been spent on these prosecutions against Goodwin over the last 5 years on such flimsy evidence. “There must be more to this!” has to be a watchword for them.

RESPECTED OFFICIAL PRESENTS FALSE EVIDENCE: For the jurors and any of us, it is difficult to believe that a highly respected L.A. homicide detective would falsify evidence and perjure himself in court documents and on the witness stand to gain a conviction. Yet, a 16-page formal complaint has been filed with the L.A. Internal Affairs department on Detective Mark Lillienfeld, lead investigator in the Thompson murder investigation.

HIGH D.A. OFFICIAL EMPHASIZES "EVIDENCE" SHOWN TO BE FALSE: It is also difficult to understand why one of the highest officials in the Los Angeles District Attorney's office would emphasize in his closing argument to the jury, “evidence” that the defense had earlier documented as false. Again and again, Patrick Dixon, Head Deputy District Attorney, brought up items of “evidence” to the jury that Goodwin's defense attorney, Elena Saris, had documented, in open court, as false. Alan Jackson, assistant prosecutor, made an overly dramatic, thoroughly theatrical presentation to the jury, spiced with humor, that was almost entirely fantasy, referred to by Saris, as “a Hollywood script.”

IS THIS "BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT?" Clearly, jurors will spend a troubled holiday, unable to understand how Goodwin could have been held for 5 years on evidence that was proven false in 2004 and, as Saris pointed out in her closing arguments, “…this is not what ‘Beyond Reasonable Doubt' in a murder trial looks like.”

JURORS RETURN JANUARY 2ND: The court will not be in session until January 2nd, at which time jurors will return to hear more testimony read back by the court reporter and continue their deliberations. The machinations that these jurors are going through individually and as a panel must be enormous as the “case” presented only illustrates the murders were brutal, Goodwin disliked Thompson and was an aggressive, ruthless businessman; how, then, does one convict from this?

CAN THE BELIEF OF ONE CITIZEN CONVICT ANOTHER? We anticipate a verdict sometime between January 3rd and 5th, however, this jury is faced with a serious conundrum: Is the alleged belief of one citizen that another is guilty of a criminal act enough to convict?

Only time will tell...

[ARCRacing]

the OC DA let that case rot for 13 years (while Mickey's sister was mayor) until the America's most wanted people came forward.

LA didn't charge him because OC would have had a stonger case had they gotten the jurisdiction to charge him. That means that the judge thought he was plotting the murders at his house in Laguna (very strong influence on the jury). That didn't fly but they still thought they had a case and sent it over to LA.

Maybe the LA DA charged Goodwin because they thought they could get a conviction. Afterall, they did and it has to be hard to get a conviction in a circumstantial case.

You are right about Goodwin looking guilty for cashing out and telling everyone that he's going to kill Mickey then take off on a boat for a few years (I remember 3 or 4 not 13). Was the $50k what he told everyone it took to have him killed? I know the court case that Mickey won was like $500k to $700k.The Orange county DA didn't file for 13 years because Goodwin was on a boat somewhere else. Mickey's sister continued to pressure the DA to file when Goodwin showed back up in 2001. Gil Garcetii was the Head District Attorney for L.A. County at the time of the primary investigation and stated that there was not enough evidence to file. Only after Orange county gets it's ***** kicked in the appellate court does LA file. As far as my math goes, in 1987 sometime around that Mickey won a 700,000 dollar settlement against Goodwin. Goodwin then liquidated all of his assets about 500,000, Moves most of them to offshore accounts and purchased his boat. He leaves the country after Mickey’s death in 1988. He returns to the US in 2001 that’s 13 years. Here is one other little fact that makes me believe that Mickey’s sister called in favors from the Orange County DA. There is no statute of limitations on Murder. If Orange County thought they had a case why didn't they file it and have a warrant for Goodwin’s arrest issued. Answer because Mickey’s sister didn't raise hell and call in her favor until Goodwin showed back up in the US. The Americas most wanted witness are of very little use they said they thought they saw Goodwin somewhere around the area a block or two away a week prior to the murders. As I stated Goodwin is probably Guilty that’s really not my point. The legal system was manipulated and abused by using cronyism and political favor. That is what discuses me. It is a form of government corruption. Why is it dangerous, what if Goodwin is innocent, not likely but what if? I guess we just have to make sure we don’t pi$$ of Mickey’s sister.

[ChuckH]

In the MX world some people knew the case well and knew it was very weak and were shocked with a conviction with virtually no evidence.

http://www.racerxill.com/articles/detail/1461/racerhead-1.aspx

Looks like this was the key to getting the conviction, these witness are not believable, they changed a few things they said, they said at 1st they thought he was spying on kids at a school and reported it to police ( nothing on file ) then changed their story twice on his hair color... the biggest damming thing is the million dollar reward ( people have lied for far less than 1 million )

quote
WITNESSES CHANGE TESTIMONY TO ENHANCE PROSECUTION "CASE:" These witnesses had difficulty at the initial lineup picking Goodwin's photo from 6 photos, 5 of them dissimilar looking men, even though they originally reported seeing Goodwin on the TV programs announcing the $1 million mega-reward. Witnesses were unsure if the second suspect was Afro American. One witness initially stated she was not sure if there was anyone in the car but, 3 years later, pointed Goodwin out across the courtroom as “…the man I saw in the car.” Where these suspects were seated, more than ? mile from the Thompson residence, down a long, winding road and on the other side of a hill, it would have been impossible to see the Thompson's house, even with binoculars and the route past the witnesses' home was one of only two exits from Bradbury. So it will be up to jurors to figure out what anyone could possibly have been “casing” related to the Thompsons.
-end quote-

If you think people working for the state wont lie or screw up look at the chart on the bottom of this page, its on 75 DNA cases, many had more than 1 state employee lieing, there must be 1000's of cases without DNA evidence where people got the shaft and where inocent.

http://www.innocenceproject.org/causes/

Yeah good chance he did it but your need real evidence to put someone away for life.

[picone]

...As far as my math goes...that’s 13 years....
It is very confusing to keep every part of the story straight, I may even be mistaken on a few parts. The dates you are using for his sailing adventure are inconsistent with what I've read since this thread started in 2004 (when I got interested in the case). He was sailing from the time of the murders (1988) to 1992 when he was arrested AND convicted for fraud (30mo's in the slammer). He was a free man living in Dana Point until 2001.
Please see this article:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20061217-9999-1n17racer.html


And note this passage:
"Around the time of the killings, Goodwin liquidated some $500,000 in assets and left the country – sailing the Caribbean on a yacht with his wife. When he returned to California in 1992, he was arrested and tried on bank fraud charges. He was convicted and sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Investigators in the Thompson slayings suspected Goodwin might be involved but had little to go on until a television show highlighting the unsolved murder struck a chord with a couple who lived in the Thompsons' neighborhood. They recalled seeing strangers acting suspiciously less than a mile from the Thompson house about a week before the killings. One of the men was peering through binoculars. "The court system is flawed, believe me I know, but it has its good points too. It was sickening to watch the OJ trial. But look at Scott Peterson. Collene Campbell sounds like a fine lady. If someone showed up to my house blazing guns and killed my wife and I, I know my sister would do her damndest to not forget about me. According to that article it was just as I stated before. He had been in CA since 1992 (1993 was when Collene was mayor) and they didn't touch the case until the America's Most Wanted people came forward.

I guess I just can't understand why a few think that there wasn't enough evidence and there was foul play on the part of TWO District Attorney's. I wasn't in court but I will read the court documents when they come online.

What still gets me is that the best scenario the defense could come up with was that Two black men wanted to steal gold coins in Mickeys safe (gold coins?). Then they showed up with bicycles to load either the safe or the gold coins onto for a swift get away. But instead of letting them drive off leaving the house empty, they get in a hurry and blow both of their brains out in the driveway. You need a torch and a garden hose to break into a safe (I saw it earlier this year). You don't need combo's so why kill them? Instead of B&E the assailants risk murder?

Dominic