In the winter of 1995, the body of 42-year-old Michael Gerald King, a male, was discovered at an unauthorized dumping site off Dutchtown Road in Knoxville, Tennessee. On January 8th, his remains were found concealed beneath several bags of leaves. An investigation determined he had been deceased for approximately two days and the cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the head.
At the time of the discovery, King was dressed in a blue work-style jacket, a blue sport shirt over a blue t-shirt with a pocket, blue jeans, white socks, tennis shoes, and a blue toboggan. No identification was found on his person.
Michael Gerald King was known to be a highly intelligent, self-taught software programmer who, for reasons unknown, never pursued it as a career. He had a criminal history, having previously served six years in prison after explosive chemicals were discovered in his Knoxville apartment during President Reagan's visit to the 1982 World's Fair. It was suggested that he may have made a living by stealing and selling stolen goods. His life on the other side of town from where his body was found, coupled with his lack of employment at the time, added layers of complexity to the investigation into his death.
Despite the circumstances of his death, the case of Michael Gerald King's murder has grown cold over the years, and it remains an unsolved homicide. Investigators were faced with several theories, including the possibility of a retaliatory act connected to his alleged illegal activities or a confrontation with criminal associates. Another theory suggested he might have been killed during a burglary. However, with no witnesses and a lack of evidence, authorities have been unable to make any arrests or publicly identify any suspects in connection with his killing. The investigation remains open with the Knox County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Unit.
