Post by Scumhunter on Sept 3, 2015 8:12:20 GMT -5
(Pictured: Above: Michael Berrios (murder victim) Photo Credit: NY Daily News)
(Pictured: Above: Wanted poster (in Spanish) showing sketches of two suspects Photo Credit: NY Daily News)
The tragic holiday season murder of 22-year old Michael Berrios was a web-exclusive case on AMW's old website. Below is the archived description of the case:
Holiday Horror
It was December 12, 2004, and Christmas was in the air. Michael Berrios, a college student and part-time personal trainer in New York, was out with his girlfriend Catherine Timms. The couple was headed to a Christmas party at an upscale club and bowling alley in Queens. But as they walked to the party, Michael and Catherine got into an argument. Catherine became frustrated, tore off the Santa Claus hat she was wearing, threw it to the ground, and stormed off into a nearby subway station.
That's when police believe two men approached Michael. The men picked up the red and white Santa hat that Catherine had tossed away, and exchanged words with Michael, who grabbed the hat back from them. The men walked away. But cops say the confrontation wasn't over.
Minutes later, police say three or four men wielding knives and basebal bats jumped Michael Berrios, stabbed him in the chest, then chased him down 47th Avenue. Investigators say that when the men caught up to Michael, they viciously beat him -- then ran away. Just moments later, Michael's girlfriend Catherine came back to him -- only to find his lifeless body.
Chivalry Gone Bad?
When NYPD detectives began piecing together this crime, they came up with an interesting theory. Police believe that the two men who originally made contact with Michael saw him arguing with Catherine, and then saw Catherine bleeding. Cops believe the thugs thought Michael had hit his girlfriend, and called their gang to show him that was no way to treat a woman.
But in fact, Michael never laid a hand on Catherine Timms. Police know this because surveillance tape of the area shows Catherine tripping on the curb at one point and falling to the ground. Though she was bleeding a bit, she was able to get up and was fine.
Girlfriend Rubs Shoulders With Suspects
Police believe that when Catherine Timms heard all of the commotion from down in the subway station, she came running up to find her boyfriend. While she was running, police say she literally rubbed shoulders with two of the suspects who were running the opposite way. She got a look at the men -- and was able to help police create sketches of them.
Unfortunately, the next thing Catherine saw was her boyfriend's body, on the ground in a pool of blood. Now, Catherine is hoping that someone can help bring her -- and Michael's mother -- some justice.
The city of New York and Crimestoppers has put up a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.
Thoughts? Unfortunately there hasn't been much in the way of clues it seems. According to one article I read, the men are possibly of Mexican or South American descent if that helps at all. However, there was a small update in December 2014. A Daily News article talked about Michael's mother still trying to get justice. Based on that relatively recent article, I feel confident enough to say this is probably still an active case. Hopefully one day, someone will come forward and close the case as well.
Admin Note #1: According to online articles, Anyone with information about the case is asked to call NYPD CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-TIPS
Admin Note #2: If you have any news-related updates, please contact us at the following link: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
web.archive.org/web/20060207161231/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=34516
www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/mom-man-killed-2004-queens-stabbing-seeks-answers-article-1.2052430
rememberinghomicidevictims.wordpress.com/remembering-our-loved-ones/michael-berrios/