Michael Franklin "Thunder" Finazzo, a 40-year-old male of Italian-American ethnicity, was the leader of the Charlotte chapter of the Hell's Angels. He was found shot to death on September 26, 1981, in Randolph, North Carolina. His body was discovered stuffed in the trunk of a car along with another member of the gang, Tyler Duris "Yank" Frndak, who was 31 years old.
The deaths of Finazzo and Frndak were believed to be the result of a feud between the Hell's Angels and another motorcycle
gang, the Outlaws. The rivalry between these two gangs was centered around control of drug trafficking and prostitution in the Charlotte area. Police suspected that the killings were part of this ongoing conflict, which had already resulted in several unsolved homicides in the region.
Despite the suspicions, no arrests were made in connection with the deaths of Finazzo and Frndak. The investigation into their murders remained open, but the case eventually went cold. The lack of arrests and the ongoing gang rivalry made it difficult for law enforcement to gather enough evidence to bring anyone to justice.
The tragic deaths of Finazzo and Frndak highlighted the violent and dangerous world of motorcycle gangs in the early 1980s. The Hell's Angels, known for their fierce loyalty and strict code of conduct, were deeply affected by the loss of their leader. About 150 members of the gang attended Finazzo's funeral, which was held under heavy police escort.
In summary, Michael Franklin "Thunder" Finazzo's death was a result of the violent rivalry between the Hell's Angels and the Outlaws, but the case remains unsolved with no arrests made. His legacy as a powerful figure in the motorcycle gang world is remembered by those who knew him.
