Post by Scumhunter on Apr 27, 2016 7:13:57 GMT -5
(Above photo credit: mlive.com)
From mlive.com:
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A break in the 32-year-old cold case homicide of the Erik Cross has left investigators with a message for those involved.
"Those persons who are involved know exactly who they are and we are giving them an opportunity to come clean on it before we go to the prosecutor," Undersheriff Pali Matyas said Tuesday.
In the group, some are more culpable than others, he said.
"Those who are less culpable need to come clean now, or they simply go down with the ship."
Cross was just 16 when he died, killed June 26, 1983; authorities believe he was deliberately struck by a vehicle near Vicksburg. Early that morning, his father found the boy lying in the roadway near the family's home in the 5100 block of East Y Avenue.
Investigators got a recent break in the case after a television report with Cross's family last Thursday, Sept. 24, on the eve of what would have been Erik's 49th birthday, Matyas said.
After the broadcast, investigators got new information "that has shed a very clear light on what transpired," Matyas said, both leading up to the teen's death and in misdirecting investigators afterwards.
"We are giving them one chance to clear up their involvement," Matyas said, "we are giving them one chance."
Matyas said one person of interest in the case is currently in jail on unrelated charges; he refused to identify that person and said he did not know what charges led to the arrest.
Nor would he say if this person is the same person authorities were eyeing for the crime from the outset of the investigation.
"I can only say that additional information has been supplied to us and given the information we now have we will conduct further investigation," he said. He would not suggest a timeline for that to happen.
He said authorities have now determined that there was an organized effort to conceal and deceive investigators and Cross's family members about the truth of what occurred on that night.
Matyas said that what he has referred to as a brick wall of silence is crumbling quickly.
Exactly what kind of evidence knocked out the first brick Matyas would not say.
"I've got to hold that close to the vest," he said.
But he said that in the 32 years that have passed since Cross's death, people have grown up, moved on with their lives, and have shifted loyalties.
"I think what motivates this is that 32 years later, people have responsibilities, people are looking to them and relying on them. The players in this group really can't get on with their lives until this matter is resolved.
"Every day they are living their lives wondering if police are going to knock on the door and haul them in. That day may come two days before a wedding, or the day before Christmas.
"People are afraid people will be mad at them, or that they will go to jail forever even if they had very little to do with (Cross's death)," Matyas said. "These are the ones who need to work with us.
"There's a saying in the legal profession, the first one to the well drinks the water.
"After 32 years a jury may not be willing to listen to excuses," Matyas said. "When you tell it to us it's a statement. When you tell it to a jury, it's an excuse."
The family has kept hope alive for years, posting updates on social media and establishing the Justice for Erik Cross Facebook group.
Matyas said family wants closure, and those involved should want it, too.
"This cloud will just hang over them forever. They want it cleared up so everyone can move on with lives."
www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/09/talk_now_or_go_down_with_the_s.html
Thoughts? The reason I'm placing Erik's case in the unsolved on tv section is that it was featured on the syndicated crime show "Crime Watch Daily" According to the show, Erik was at a party and got in an argument with a man named Brent Spaulding, who police say is the prime suspect in the case. His girlfriend, Amber Thomas, is also a person of interest. The good news here is there seems to be a little more hope than other cold case homicides that this can be solved.
Here is the link to the "Crime Watch Daily" article that also features all 4 tv segments: crimewatchdaily.com/2016/02/08/big-break-in-small-town-michigan-murder/
Admin Note #1: According to mlive.com, police ask anyone with information about Cross' death to call the sheriff's office at 269-383-8723 or 269-383-8731 or to contact Silent Observer at 269-343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com. Additionally, since this case was profiled on Crime Watch Daily, you can also likely submit a tip at crimewatchdaily.com or call their toll free tip line at (844) 800-CRIME.
Admin Note #2: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form