Michael Lee Lockhart
| Michael Lee Lockhart | |
|---|---|
|
Mugshot | |
| Born |
September 30, 1960[1] United States |
| Died |
December 9, 1997 (aged 37)[1] Texas, United States |
| Cause of death | Lethal injection |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Conviction(s) | Murder |
| Killings | |
| Victims | 4-6+ |
Span of killings | 1987–1988 |
| Country | United States |
| State(s) |
Indiana, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Tennessee[1] |
Date apprehended | March 22, 1988[1] |
Michael Lee Lockhart was a multi-state serial killer who received death sentences in three states (Florida, Indiana, and Texas). He was executed on December 9, 1997 by the state of Texas.[2]
Background
Lockhart had suffered years of abuse as a child resulting in some major mental illnesses, for which he tried desperately to get help but to no avail.
Murders
His known victims include 14-year-old Jennifer Colhouer of Land O' Lakes, Florida, 16-year-old Windy Gallagher of Griffith, Indiana, and Officer Paul Hulsey of Beaumont, Texas. He claimed to have murdered more than two dozen people, including Russian immigrant and Kentucky resident Ann Gotlib, although no proof was found. In 2014, Lockhart was connected to the death of Katherine "Kathy" Hobbs, a 16-year-old girl who vanished on July 23, 1987 in Las Vegas while coming home from a local grocery store. Her body was found 9 days later near Lake Mead. Carpet fibers found at the crime scene matched a stolen Toyota that Lockhart was in possession of around the time of Kathy's murder. A book about Michael Lockhart also named Kathy Hobbs as a potential victim before he was linked to her murder.
Arrest
He was captured when officer Paul Hulsey Jr. tried to arrest him for driving a stolen Corvette. Officers responding to the motel room where he was reported found Hulsey dead in the room. They put out an all points bulletin for the vehicle, which was spotted. A high speed chase ensued before Lockhart crashed and was soon apprehended. Evidence of his other crimes was found in the vehicle.[3]
Execution
Lockhart was executed on December 9, 1997 in Texas. Lockhart's last words were, "A lot of people view what is happening here as evil, but I want you to know that I found love and compassion here. The people who work here, I thank them for the kindness they have shown me and I deeply appreciate all that has been done for me by the people who work here. That’s all, Warden, I’m ready."[4]
Media
The story of his victims was told on The New Detectives, Season 7, Episode 1.
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Michael Lee LOCKHART". murderpedia.org. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
- ↑ "Inmate with death sentences in three states put to death". Texnews.com. Retrieved 2013-10-04.
- ↑
- ↑ "Michael Lee Lockhart #430". clarkprosecutor.org. Retrieved 18 January 2015.