2 Thompson Deaths Focus on White Male

Authorities said they are looking for a white male seen riding a bicycle near the Bradbury home of millionaire racing promoter Mickey Thompson and his wife shortly after the two were slain in an ambush shooting.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s investigators were initially seeking two adult black males, who were reported to have been riding bicycles in the area after Wednesday’s 6 a.m. shootings.

But based on new information, Deputy Dan Cox said Thursday, the department is now looking for a 35-to-40-year-old man with medium-length golden blond hair, standing 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds.

Gray Bicycle

A man fitting that description was seen riding a gray Columbia brand 12-speed bicycle in nearby Irwindale between 7 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. Wednesday. He was reported to be wearing a light yellow sweater and off-white, or light blue, pants.

“The man parked his bike at a bus stop at the southeast corner of Foothill Boulevard and Irwindale Avenue and, for about 10 minutes, desperately tried to flag down passing motorists,” Cox said.

Investigators were not sure if the man succeeded in getting a ride, or if he boarded a bus. The bicycle was recovered by deputies on Wednesday.

The Sheriff’s Department is requesting that anyone who may have given the man a ride, or has any information concerning him or the Thompson slayings, call homicide investigators at (213) 974-4341.

Other Report

Deputies said they are seeking the man for questioning on the basis of his actions near the bus stop.

Cox said investigators have not ruled out the report of two male blacks being involved, but “we also want to talk to this (third) individual.”

Meanwhile, about 50 deputies, sheriff’s cadets and volunteer Explorer Scouts combed the area surrounding the Thompson estate in the tiny San Gabriel Mountains foothill city for more clues.

Street Closed

The block of Woodlyn Lane leading to Thompson’s home was closed to all but residents for several hours as the search proceeded. Deputies declined to say what, if any, evidence was found.

Thompson, 59, and his wife, Trudy, 41, were ambushed in their driveway as they prepared to leave for work at Thompson’s headquarters in Anaheim.

On Thursday, the county coroner ruled that both died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Thompson was the first American to break the 400-m.p.h. land speed record and went on to become the first driver of top-fuel dragsters to exceed 150 m.p.h.

Prominent Promoter

In recent years, he had become a dominant force in racing promotions in California and nationwide.

Public funeral services and interment for the Thompsons will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Rose Hills Memorial Park near Whittier, said family spokesman Bob Russo.

In lieu of flowers, Russo said, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Crime Victims California Justice Committee.

A $30,000 reward was posted Thursday by the Specialty Equipment Makers Assn., a Whittier-based trade group.