Michael Player

Serial Killer

Michael Player: The Skid Row Slayer

Overview

Michael Player was an American serial killer linked to the shooting deaths of ten men in and around Los Angeles, California, during a concentrated series of attacks in September and October 1986. Most of the victims were homeless men sleeping outdoors in the Skid Row district, although at least two were visitors who did not live on the streets. Player usually approached isolated victims during the early-morning hours and shot them in the head from behind or while they slept. The murders caused widespread fear among people living in Skid Row. Victims were attacked in places where they ordinarily rested, including sidewalks, doorways and public parks. Because many witnesses were transient and the attacks occurred at night or before sunrise, investigators initially had little evidence identifying the gunman. Player died by suicide before he could be arrested or prosecuted for the murders. Police later connected him to the shootings through firearms evidence, physical evidence and an identification made by a surviving victim.

Early Life and Criminal History

Michael Player was born in Los Angeles on September 6, 1960. Relatively little reliable information is publicly available about his childhood, family or education. As an adult, he repeatedly came into contact with law enforcement and sometimes used the name Marcus Nisby. Player accumulated a criminal history involving robbery, theft, weapons possession and violations of parole or probation. In October 1983, he was arrested during an attempted theft and later served approximately six months in custody. In 1984, he was convicted of illegally possessing a weapon and received a two-year sentence. After being paroled, he continued committing offenses and was returned to custody for approximately 60 days in July 1985. By 1986, Player was familiar with the streets of central Los Angeles and the neighborhoods surrounding Skid Row. His victims were generally men who were alone, asleep or otherwise unable to defend themselves. Investigators later concluded that he used more than one firearm during the series. ...

Confirmed Victims: (10)

Rudolfo Roque Age: (54), Date of Death: 1986-09-04

Michael Player - Wikipedia