99 The Many Crimes of Byron Hoffmeister

Much of my childhood was spent in and around the little town of Berkley, Michigan. My uncle was Berkley High School, class of ’65. One of his classmates was Byron Hoffmeister. I’d heard him mention Hoffmeister over the years, what a “bad guy” he was, but until I dug into this episode, I had no idea.

Join us as we explore the life and many crimes of Berkley’s own Byron Hoffmeister.

yearbook photo of Hoffmeister

 

The 1968 plea deal that allowed Hoffmeister to be out on the streets by 1971

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98 The Murder of Monica Hockey

Labor Day weekend of 1979, the body of Monica Hockey is discovered by the side of the road in Clarkston, Michigan. She’s been beaten, stabbed and her killers attempted to break both of her legs.

A murder so disturbing, so violent, that prosecutors lobby for the return of the death penalty.

**listener discretion advised**

Yearbook photo circa 1977

 

Additional Reading:

The Hockeys – A study in courage 

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97 The murder of Gail and Ricky Brink

On Monday November 23, 1987 the bodies of Gail and Ricky Brink are discovered in their Holland Township (Michigan) home. Twenty two year old Gail and 29 year old Ricky were each shot multiple times, likely in the small hours of Sunday November 22.

 

Ricky and Gail in 1987

It will take 25 years for their killer to be brought to justice.

This week’s promo from Pretend Radio

 

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Research and additional reading: 

“A brutal execution” – MLive story 

Witnesses describe Gail and Rick’s last day alive – Holland Sentinel 

“We finally got him” says sister of Ryan Wyngarden – MLive story