The second episode of Homicide: Los Angeles is named “Race Car Killer.” On March 16, 1998, in the Bradbury housing colony, famous car racer Mickey Thompson and his wife, Trudy, were murdered. This case was unusual because Mickey and Trudy were not only famous but also extremely beloved. It seemed impossible that anyone would have a motive to harm them. Mickey and Trudy had a special bond. The killers cruelly killed Trudy first because they knew how much Mickey loved her. Mickey would have given his life for Trudy. Why would someone be so cruel? What was the killer’s motive? Was he found guilty? Let’s find out all about it from this explainer of episode 2.
How was Mickey and Trudy killed?
Mickey and Trudy Thompson lived in the Bradbury residential colony. It was a gated community where wealthy celebrities resided, with exceptionally high-security measures, so a murder taking place there was extremely unusual. In the 1980s, Mickey Thompson was one of the most famous car racers in the world. He held more than 370 records and revolutionized the sport with his indoor stadium racing. His son Danny and his wife Trudy were also involved in racing. Everyone knew how much Mickey loved Trudy; they were the talk of the town, especially in the racing community. When news broke that two black men had killed Mickey and Trudy, it was devastating. Lance Johnson, a neighbor, heard the gunshots and Mickey’s desperate pleas for the killers not to harm his wife. Mickey was willing to sacrifice himself to save Trudy, but the killers ignored his pleas. Lance’s daughter’s friend, Allison Triarsi was the only eyewitness of this crime. She saw the men ensuring that Mickey watched Trudy die before he was killed so that it would be his final memory before his death. They did that on purpose. After that, they sped off on their bikes. When the police investigated the scene it was clear that this was not a robbery gone wrong. Expensive jewelry in Trudy’s car and money in Mickey’s purse were untouched. The killers came with the sole intent to murder. There were peeled orange skins on the street which proved they had been waiting for the right moment to carry out their plan. It was clearly premeditated. Despite a woman seeing two men on bikes near the scene and helping the police create sketches, their identities remained unknown.
Who was the suspect?
After the murder, the first name that came to the investigators’ minds was that of Mike Goodwin. Mike had been a close friend of Mickey Thompson and was also a big name in the racing world. He was focused on bike racing while Mickey was into car racing. They planned to work together to revolutionize racing, but their deal fell apart because Mike never paid Mickey. Mike was known for being unreliable with money, which is why Mickey decided not to continue the business relationship. Mike was clearly angry about the failed deal. After the incident, Mickey received regular threats from Mike, who said he would ruin Mickey’s life because of how he had treated him. Mike had almost gone bankrupt due to Mickey and wasn’t going to forgive him. In court, everything seemed to be in Mickey’s favor since he was diligent and honest. But would Mike really go so far as to kill Mickey? The police were still unsure. When they questioned Mike as a suspect, he denied any involvement. He claimed his issues with Mickey were purely “business” related and he wasn’t the type to kill over such matters.
Was Mike Goodwin found guilty?
When the investigation progressed and Mike Goodwin was questioned regularly, he suddenly left the country with his wife. He claimed he couldn’t handle the pressure of the investigation, even though he insisted he was not responsible for the murder. This only raised more suspicions. If he was truly innocent, why would he be so afraid and run away? For two and a half years, the investigation turned up no new leads until the police received a phone call from one of Mike’s former lovers. She revealed that while watching “America’s Most Wanted,” Mike had confessed to her that he was the one who murdered Mickey and Trudy. He said it with such confidence that it shook her to the core. The police decided to question Mike’s then-wife, whom he had left the country with. She provided the same information as well: Mike had confessed to the murder. When Mike was eventually caught and taken into custody, he claimed it was a setup and he was not guilty. However, another key witness came forward. This person reported seeing a car parked near the Bradbury Colony just four days before the murders. When he approached, the car sped off. Inside the car was Mike Goodwin with a black man which indeed confirmed that the murder was premeditated and implied that Mike was guilty.
In a case like this, the motive was crucial. It wasn’t just about a failed business deal; Mike Goodwin’s jealousy towards Mickey Thompson played a big role. Mike’s anger was so intense that he wanted Mickey to suffer deeply. He made sure Mickey witnessed his wife Trudy being murdered before he was killed by making sure that Mickey’s last moments were filled with agony. The jurors deliberated for six days before reaching a decision, which was naturally excruciating as you can imagine! Despite Mike’s attempts to come across as innocent, the verdict confirmed he was indeed guilty of the murders of Trudy and Mickey Thompson. He received a life sentence without parole. Unfortunately, the actual shooters were never found, and the search for them continues to this day. But the episode didn’t end on such a sad note. Mickey Thompson, who was famous for breaking records, had hoped to set a world land speed record before he was murdered. On August 12, 2018, his son Danny Thompson achieved that goal on his father’s behalf. This was one of the most meaningful moments in car racing history. Mickey would have been proud!
