CAR vs. BIKE
One of the theories of the police was that while Mike was on the bike he was hit by the reported car, then taken and left the location to cover up the accident.
PROBLEMS and QUESTIONS
Any damage to the rear fender caused from a car hitting the bike would cause damage to the rear wheel and possible the frame.
(PERSONAL NOTE: My Huffy was hit by a car as I pulled out in front of the car from behind a Kroger into the rear alley way. I had damage to the frame bent rear wheel, seat, handle bars and the chain came off the gears. Plus I was shaken and scared for the next few hours.)
PROBLEMS and QUESTIONS
- The bike and papers were left in the front of 12 South Harris Avenue. Not in the street or area the car could have hit him.
- Mike had already crossed Harris Avenue from the Indiana National Bank branch and left the paper at 12 South Harris, the next house, 16 South Harris Avenue is less the 25 feet from the front door of 12 South Harris Avenue, an easy walk.
- It was reported that the 2nd autopsy that Mike had no broken bones, just bruising around his neck and arm. No other injuries caused from a bike accident.
- The witness, Mr. McDougall, reported that the mad was dragging Mike towards the car with a knife to the back of his neck.
- Damage to the bike was that the chain was off and the rear fender was dented in, as if stepped on, per Mike’s brother Bud. (NOTE: John only recalls the chain off and no damage to the bike otherwise.)
- Why if it was an accident was Mike taken from the scene? Police theory is to cover up the accident. Why not just drive off and leave Mike then.
- Why if it was an accident, why was Mike stab, nine times and stripped?
- Why take Mike 38 miles to the east and left in a rural area? Plenty of rural area to the west of Indianapolis at the time.
- John told me the bike was not the Bayles' family, but a female’s bike all the neighborhood kids used.
Any damage to the rear fender caused from a car hitting the bike would cause damage to the rear wheel and possible the frame.
(PERSONAL NOTE: My Huffy was hit by a car as I pulled out in front of the car from behind a Kroger into the rear alley way. I had damage to the frame bent rear wheel, seat, handle bars and the chain came off the gears. Plus I was shaken and scared for the next few hours.)
Female Huffy with small rear fender. Female Schwinn with small rear fender. Female Huffy with full rear fender.
CARRIER BAG
Double side canvas paper carrier’s bag, similar to the one the Indianapolis Star used by Gordon on this route.
John stated that Gordon placed the carrier bag over his shoulder and rode the bike.
John stated Mike carried the carrier bag on the bike. Mike could have placed it over the hand bars of the bike or over the seat.