From Fort Worth to the French Quarter: The Unsolved Murder of Mike Randle

A Life Built on Faith, Family, and Service

Mike Randle was a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith, family, and community service. As a praise and worship leader at his local church and a dedicated construction contractor, he was known for his unwavering positivity and commitment to helping others. His construction business often catered to women and lower-income families who couldn't afford larger companies, reflecting his desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Mike's approach to life was methodical and calm; his son, Christopher, recalled never seeing him angry, even in challenging situations. This demeanor extended to his interactions with strangers, as exemplified by an incident where he offered assistance and employment to a man who had stolen his children's bikes. 

The Day Everything Changed

On July 30, 2016, Mike dropped his wife, Lorie, off at her mother's house before heading to a property he was renovating in Fort Worth, Texas. Their home had previously been burglarized, and Mike didn't want to leave Lorie alone. The next day, when Mike failed to show up for church and didn't answer his phone, his family grew concerned. They visited the renovation site and found the back door unlocked and Mike's SUV missing. Lorie filed a missing persons report with the Fort Worth Police Department, initiating a search that would span multiple states. 

A Grim Discovery in New Orleans

Fort Worth investigators tracked Mike's phone, which led them to New Orleans, Louisiana. On August 1, 2016, firefighters in New Orleans discovered a body burning in a commercial dumpster in the Broadmoor neighborhood. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office later identified the body as Mike Randle and determined that he had died from blunt force injuries. His death was ruled a homicide. The discovery was a devastating blow to his family, who had been holding out hope for his safe return. 

The Impact on a Grieving Family

The loss of Mike Randle left an indelible mark on his family. Lorie described the difficulty of everyday activities, like visiting Home Depot, which reminded her of the times she spent there with Mike purchasing construction supplies. For their daughter, Celeste, the sight of a robin—a bird her father often pointed out to her—became a symbol of his enduring presence and a reminder to cherish life. The family's grief was compounded by the lack of answers and the unresolved nature of the case. ...Read More

Share

Comments (0)

Leave A Comment