MI MI - Erik Cross, 16, Vicksburg, 26 Jun 1983

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Erik Cross case. The then 16-year-old was murdered in Vicksburg, MI on June 26, 1983. According to Erik's sister, Jackie Cross Mitchell, although witnesses named Erik's killer, no arrests have been made in this nearly 28-year-old case.

On our March 1, 2011 show we'll continue our discussion of Erik's case. Joining us again will be Jackie Cross Mitchell and Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Rex Hall. Anyone with information will be able to speak with Jackie directly during the show by calling 646-478-0982. Questions or comments can also be made through the show's chat room.

You can hear Crime Wire Investigates on Blog Talk Radio beginning at 9 p.m. EST. this March 1, 2011. Also, please visit our http://www.crimewiresite.com/"]1983 homicide of Vicksburg teen Erik Cross on Crime Wire Investigates March 1, 2011
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Erik Stirling Cross
On our February 15 show we profiled the Erik Cross case. The then 16-year-old was murdered in Vicksburg, MI on June 26, 1983. According to Erik's sister, Jackie Cross Mitchell, although witnesses named Erik's killer, no arrests have been made in this nearly 28-year-old case.

On our March 1, 2011 show we'll continue our discussion of Erik's case. Joining us again will be Jackie Cross Mitchell and Kalamazoo Gazette reporter Rex Hall. Anyone with information will be able to speak with Jackie directly during the show by calling 646-478-0982. Questions or comments can also be made through the show's chat room.

You can hear Crime Wire Investigates on Blog Talk Radio beginning at 9 p.m. EST. this March 1, 2011. Also, please visit our http://www.crimewiresite.com/

Together we can make a difference.

Erik's sister Jackie Cross Mitchell has created a Facebook Fan page in hopes of generating new leads it now has over 1500 fans. She has also created a website http://justiceforerik.blogspot.com/

I spoke with Jackie Cross Mitchell this morning and she is determined to find out who murdered her brother and why. Many years have passed since that night in Vicksburg, MI. Many people have come forward with information but yet the case goes unsolved and unjudicated.

For the last 26 years the same six suspects have remained unchanged. Why hasn't this homicide case been prosecuted?

Erik's family had only moved to Vicksburg the year before. He was the new boy in town. He had many friends. Who would do such a heinous act in this small town which normally didn't see this kind of violent crime? Erik suffered horrendous injuries even the hospital and ENT's could see he had too many injuries to just be considered an hit and run accident.

WHY?
Is Law Enforcement intimidated by the defense attorney of the defendants? Does someone who is involved have money that is making people forget their moral obligations. There is much evidence and this family needs this case to be brought to justice.

What was the motive? Was this over a girl? Did the girl ever tell anyone about this murder? Were drugs involved? Why did the main suspect say he killed Erik inside a dentist office? Did they have a key? Why did they go there? Were they after drugs, such as Nitrous oxide?

HOW?
Can anyone who committed this crime or has knowledge of this crime live with themselves? Now is the time to step forward with any information.

View Homicide of Erik Stirling Cross in a larger map
 
"Police: Cover-up in 32-year-old cold case falling apart"

http://www.wwmt.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/Police-Cover-up-in-32-year-old-cold-case-falling-apart-211403.shtml#.VgnozflViko

It appeared 16-year-old Erik had been hit by a car. Police now confirm that a massive cover-up ensued.

"These folks worked in collaboration with each other to build a brick wall that stymied the family, that stymied the investigators on this case and that's the brick wall that's crumbling," Matyas said.

Undersheriff Matyas says the primary suspect in the case is in jail right now, on unrelated charges.

"They want to get on with their lives and they're never ever going to do that as long as this still hangs out there, so I think that's what's prompted the information that was brought to our attention, and I think that is what is breaking this brick wall down. Those allegiances are gone," Matyas said.

The Sheriff's Department says they know exactly who is involved in the cover-up, and that some may be less to blame than others.
 
Hoping they are getting close.
I read a random news post about this on FB and began digging into it.
So many names, initials and nicknames, it is hard to sort out.
I wish there was something naming a 'cast of characters' so to speak.
 
"Erik Cross' sister hopes break in homicide case will finally bring closure"

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/09/the_tide_is_changing_erik_cros.html

Efforts have also involved police seeking tips from the public and asking anyone with information, and members of the core group of people, to come forward to tell them what they needed to know to finally be able to make an arrest.

But now, Mitchell says the tenor of the message from investigators has changed and she believes that whatever information they have may finally bring closure for her and her family 32 years later.

"I avoided talking to the sheriff," Mitchell said. "I got discouraged. I wanted to hear them say they're ready to make an arrest ... We had given up getting our hopes up.

"I hope (the suspects) realize that the tide is changing, that they can't just hide out anymore. I've tried reaching out to some of those people in the past and they've never been willing to help us but I feel like they could still do the right thing for our family if they have any conscience left.

"It's time."
 
Video of the POI in this case, as he was released from jail at link:

Person of interest in cold case murder released from jail


Sat, Oct 24 2015,
09:30 PM

We have an exclusive development on a cold case that's haunted West Michigan for decades.

Back in 1983, Erik Cross was killed in a hit-and-run crash while walking down a road in Vicksburg.

The circumstances surrounding the 16-year-old's death have been shrouded in mystery until recently.

Newschannel 3 were there as a person of interest in the case, Brent Spaulding, was released from jail.

http://www.wwmt.com/news/features/t...-released-from-jail-223490.shtml#.VixgEytghSU
 
Erik Cross' sister, supporters continue push for answers in 1983 homicide

http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/11/erik_cross_sister_supporters_c.html

Jackie Mitchell hopes the posters and fliers that hang now in Vicksburg, Portage and Kalamazoo will serve as constant reminders of her brother's unsolved 1983 slaying.

She prays they might spur witnesses or anyone involved in the death of 16-year-old Erik Cross to come forward so that police and prosecutors can, once and for all, close the case.

Sheriff's investigators believe Cross died after he was intentionally struck by a vehicle near Vicksburg. His father found him on the morning of June 26 lying in the road near the family's home in the 5100 block of East Y Avenue.

The person or person responsible have never been identified or charged, despite ongoing rumors in Vicksburg. Detectives have said they've been focused on a core group of four to five people who were either directly involved in the homicide or victims of circumstance, but have lacked enough evidence to make an arrest.
 
Candlelight vigil planned for tonight.

http://www.wwmt.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/-Candlelight-vigil-Monday-for-cold-case-victim-241850.shtml#.Vm7KXrgrLIU

A large crowd is expected in Vicksburg Monday for a candlelight vigil in honor of a 1983 cold case.

NewsChannel 3 was first to tell you about a major break in the Erik Cross homicide case this fall.

In September, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office confirmed a "core group of people" conspired to cover up the crime for three decades.

Monday's vigil is the first public event for Cross since we broke those new developments.

"It's in remembrance of Erik and keeping his memory alive but also so they understand this is not going to go away," says Cross' former classmate Sally Wilkins, who plans to be at the vigil Monday. "There are people who want this resolved and we're coming together as a group to show force. Not angry force, but just to show we want it taken care of."
 
Vicksburg cold case to get national exposure
Posted 8:01 PM, February 6, 2016, by FOX 17 News, Updated at 09:00am, February 7, 2016

“The family needs justice, they deserve justice,” said Leah Colwell, who volunteers for the Erik Cross Foundation.

The foundation passed out fliers during a local chili cookoff Saturday to further promote awareness of Cross’ unsolved case. Crime Watch Daily, which airs weekdays at 3 p.m. on FOX 17 will feature the case on Feb. 9.

[...]

“We’re trying to get people to watch that so they’re more aware of exactly what has gone on in this case,” Colwell told FOX 17.

“Over 30 years ago there was a party that Erik went to, he left the party walking home and somebody obviously picked him up along the way. He was drug behind a car—possibly hit by the car—his body was left by the mailbox of his parents’ home, and his father found him there early in the next morning.”
 
Crime Watch Daily aired a program about Erik's murder today. It can be found in 4 parts at this link:
https://m.youtube.com/results?q=cold case: body of michigan teen&sm=3

Brent Spaulding and Amber Thomas were publicly named as suspect and POI, respectively. Have at it WSers. Praying that long-overdue justice comes for this murder victim very soon.
 
http://fox17online.com/2016/04/29/race-car-drivers-raise-awareness-for-cold-case-murder-victims/

Race car drivers at Kalamazoo Motor Speedway are driving for more than just a fast time this year, decals of West Michigan cold case murder victims will be helping find justice on the track all year...

Five cars will be sharing Richard’s story while many others will be supporting the Erik Cross Campaign all season, a 16-year-old who was found dead outside his home in Vicksburg in 1983.
 
http://fox17online.com/2016/05/19/group-continues-to-push-for-justice-in-erik-cross-cold-case/

A communal push for justice for Erik Cross, the 16-year-old boy found dead outside his parents' home more than 30 years ago, continues as friends and family rallied for a night of support at Sweetwater's in Kalamazoo.

Supporters helped spread awareness Thursday night by handing out posters, flyers, and bumper stickers telling Cross' story. Pam Roman said that even after 32 years, the "Erik Cross army" is stronger than ever in their pursuit for justice.
 
http://www.people.com/article/30-year-michigan-cold-murder-case-erik-cross

Matyas tells PEOPLE that investigators suspect Erik was killed during a failed "hood-surfing" attempt. Specifically, police think Cross fell from the hood of an erratically-operated automobile before being subsequently crushed under the car's tires.

"Last year, we definitely caught a break with this case," says Matyas, noting detectives are anxious to present their case to prosecutors. "We're definitely a lot further along with the investigation than we were even a year ago."

Matyas tells PEOPLE his officers have identified five people of interest "who were either involved in this incident or assisted in covering it up."
 

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