Can a business deal truly lead to murder, even decades later? The conviction of Michael Goodwin for the 1988 murders of racing legend Mickey Thompson and his wife, Trudy, continues to reverberate, a stark reminder of how deeply business rivalries can turn personal and tragically, violent. The latest development in this long-running saga is the upholding of Goodwin's conviction by a state appellate court, ensuring he remains behind bars for a crime that shocked the motorsports world.
The Los Angeles Times, in a piece by Francine Orr, reported on the appellate court's decision affirming the 2007 guilty verdict against Michael Goodwin. The 2nd District Appellate Court's ruling effectively closes a chapter that began over two decades ago, a period marked by legal battles, accusations, and ultimately, a conviction for the contract killing of Mickey Thompson, a name synonymous with racing innovation, and his wife, Trudy. The murders, occurring outside their Los Angeles area home, stemmed from a business relationship gone sour, forever linking Goodwin and Thompson in a narrative of ambition, betrayal, and violence.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Goodwin |
| Occupation | Former Motorsports Promoter, Supercross Innovator |
| Conviction | Convicted in 2007 for the 1988 murders of Mickey Thompson and Trudy Thompson |
| Legal Status | Conviction upheld by the 2nd District Appellate Court |
| Early Career | Rock Concert Promoter in the 1960s, Dirt Bike Enthusiast |
| Supercross Pioneer | Credited with bringing Supercross to the United States in 1972 |
| Business Partnership | Partnered with Mickey Thompson to promote motorsports |
| Legal Disputes | Involved in a costly lawsuit with Mickey Thompson over business dealings |
| Motives for Murder | Civil dispute and financial tensions with Mickey Thompson |
| Reference Link | Los Angeles Times |
