POSSIBLE SCENARIOS, THEORIES AND THOUGHTS
POSSIBLE SCENARIOS
I have thought through five possible abduction scenarios, any of them could have happen or a combination of any of them and maybe none, or even another I have not come up with.
Scenario Number One
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
Scenario Number Two
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
Scenario Number Three
*Note all times are estimates.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
Scenario Number Four
*Note all times are estimates.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
Scenario Number Five
*Note all times are estimates.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
- Mike leaves his home at 3028 Jackson Street at 04:30 on the bike.
- Mike rides East on Jackson Street to Harris Avenue, turns left (North) and then right (East) on Washington Street, rides East to the alley way just West of North Belleview Place, turns left (North) up the alley to the Indianapolis Star Circulation Office, located behind the Clark Gas Station at 2502 West Washington Street.
- Mike picks up forty eight Indianapolis Star papers.
- At 05:13 to 05:17 Mike leaves the Star Circulation Office.
- IF Mike rides South on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The ride is approx. 3 mins, .5 miles)
- IF Mike walks the bike, because of the weight and awkwardness of the papers he would walk the bike south on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The walk is approx. 9 mins, .5 miles)
- Mike drops off his first paper at the Indiana National Bank Branch at the Southeast corner of Harris Avenue and Washington Street. (2821 West Washington Street)
- Mike then rides across Harris Avenue to the residents of William H. Johnson at 12 South Harris Avenue. Leaves the bike and papers.
- At 05:20 suspects’ car pulls out of the alley way, West of Harris Avenue turns left (North) on Harris Avenue, blocks Harris Avenue at an angle, pointing towards the Indiana National Bank Branch.
- IF the man exits the car from the passenger side walks (runs) around the front (back) of the car and grabs Mike.
- IF the man exits the car from the driver’s side walks (runs) around the front (back) of the car and grabs Mike.
- At 05:25 Paul McDougall, driving North on Harris Avenue stops his car, hears a scream, witness’ a man holding Mike with a knife, words are exchanged, Mike is put into the car and the car drives North towards Washington Street, direction from there is unclear.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
- IF the Mike saw the man exiting the car and coming towards him Mike would have had time to run.
- It was reported that the bike Mike was using had the chain off and a bent in rear fender. The chain could have fallen off and damage to the fender IF Mike hit a curb causing the bike to crash.
- The suspects could have saw Mike riding/walking the bike to or from the Star Circulation Office, back tracked on West Washington Street to Hancock Avenue, left (South) to the alley way turned left (East) and headed towards Harris Avenue.
Scenario Number Two
- Mike leaves his home at 3028 Jackson Street at 04:30 on the bike.
- Mike rides East on Jackson Street to Harris Avenue, turns left (North) and then right (East) on Washington Street, rides East to the alley way just West of North Belleview Place, turns left (North) up the alley to the Indianapolis Star Circulation Office, located behind the Clark Gas Station at 2502 West Washington Street.
- Mike picks up forty eight Indianapolis Star papers.
- At 05:13 to 05:17 Mike leaves the Star Circulation Office.
- IF Mike rides South on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The ride is approx. 3 mins, .5 miles)
- IF Mike walks the bike, because of the weight and awkwardness of the papers he would walk the bike south on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The walk is approx. 9 mins, .5 miles)
- Mike drops off his first paper at the Indiana National Bank Branch at the Southeast corner of Harris Avenue and Washington Street. (2821 West Washington Street)
- Mike then rides across Harris Avenue to the residents of William H. Johnson at 12 South Harris Avenue. Leaves the bike and papers.
- At 05:20 suspects’ car pulls out of the alley way, West of Harris Avenue turns left (North) on Harris Avenue, blocks Harris Avenue at an angle, pointing towards the Indiana National Bank Branch.
- IF the man in the car calls to Mike and Mike walks towards the driver’s side door. Possibly Mike knew the person calling him to buy a paper or for conversation. (Police reported this as most likely)
- IF the man exits the car from the passenger side walks (runs) around the front (back) of the car and grabs Mike.
- IF the man driving grabs Mike by the arm (reported bruises on arm) exits the car and pulls Mike in.
- At 05:25 Paul McDougall, driving North on Harris Avenue stops his car, hears a scream, witness’ a man holding Mike with a knife, words are exchanged, Mike is put into the car and the car drives North towards Washington Street, direction from there is unclear. Most likely East.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
- IF the Mike saw the man exiting the car and coming towards him Mike would have had time to run.
- It was reported that the bike Mike was using had the chain off and a bent in rear fender. The chain could have fallen off and damage to the fender IF Mike hit a curb causing the bike to crash.
- The suspects could have saw Mike riding/walking the bike to or from the Star Circulation Office, back tracked on West Washington Street to Hancock Avenue, left (South) to the alley way turned left (East) and headed towards Harris Avenue.
Scenario Number Three
- Mike leaves his home at 3028 Jackson Street at 04:30 on the bike.
- Mike rides East on Jackson Street to Harris Avenue, turns left (North) and then right (East) on Washington Street, rides East to the alley way just West of North Belleview Place, turns left (North) up the alley to the Indianapolis Star Circulation Office, located behind the Clark Gas Station at 2502 West Washington Street.
- Mike picks up forty eight Indianapolis Star papers.
- At 05:13 to 05:17 Mike leaves the Star Circulation Office.
- IF Mike rides South on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The ride is approx. 3 mins, .5 miles)
- IF Mike walks the bike, because of the weight and awkwardness of the papers he would walk the bike south on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The walk is approx. 9 mins, .5 miles)
- Mike drops off his first paper at the Indiana National Bank Branch at the Southeast corner of Harris Avenue and Washington Street. (2821 West Washington Street)
- Mike then rides across Harris Avenue to the residents of William H. Johnson at 12 South Harris Avenue.
- Mike try’s to replace the chain that came off the bike.
- At 05:20 suspects’ car pulls out of the alley way, West of Harris Avenue turns left (North) on Harris Avenue, blocks Harris Avenue at an angle, pointing towards the Indiana National Bank Branch.
- IF the man in the car asked Mike what happen, needs assistance with the bike or for conversation.
- IF the man exits the car from the passenger side walks (runs) around the front (back) of the car and grabs Mike.
- IF the man exits the car from the driver’s side walks (runs) around the front (back) of the car and grabs Mike.
- At 05:25 Paul McDougall, driving North on Harris Avenue stops his car, hears a scream, witness’ a man holding Mike with a knife, words are exchanged, Mike is put into the car and the car drives North towards Washington Street, direction from there is unclear. Most likely East.
*Note all times are estimates.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
- IF the Mike saw the man exiting the car and coming towards him Mike would have had time to run.
- It was reported that the bike Mike was using had the chain off and a bent in rear fender. The chain could have fallen off and damage to the fender IF Mike hit a curb causing the bike to crash.
- The suspects could have saw Mike riding/walking the bike to or from the Star Circulation Office, back tracked on West Washington Street to Hancock Avenue, left (South) to the alley way turned left (East) and headed towards Harris Avenue.
Scenario Number Four
- Mike leaves his home at 3028 Jackson Street at 04:30 on the bike.
- Mike rides East on Jackson Street to Harris Avenue, turns left (North) and then right (East) on Washington Street, rides East to the alley way just West of North Belleview Place, turns left (North) up the alley to the Indianapolis Star Circulation Office, located behind the Clark Gas Station at 2502 West Washington Street.
- Mike picks up forty eight Indianapolis Star papers.
- At 05:13 to 05:17 Mike leaves the Star Circulation Office.
- IF Mike rides South on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The ride is approx. 3 mins, .5 miles)
- IF Mike walks his bike, because of the weight and awkwardness of the papers he would, walk his bike South on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The walk is approx. 9 mins, .5 miles)
- Mike leaves the bike and papers at the residents of William H. Johnson at 12 South Harris Street, crosses the street to the Indiana Nation Bank Branch at the Southeast corner of Harris Avenue and Washington Street. (2821 West Washington Street) leaves a paper and the crosses’ back across Harris Avenue.
- At 05:20 suspects’ car pulls out of the alley way, West of Harris Avenue turns left (North) on Harris Avenue, blocks Harris Avenue at an angle, pointing towards the Indiana National Bank Branch.
- IF a man who had exited the car earlier and was following/waiting for Mike grabs him in front of 12 South Harris Street. Possibly kicking his bike and knocking him off, thus the chain comes off causing the dented in rear fender. Later Mike’s brother described the damage as if it was stepped on.
- IF a man who had exited the car earlier and was following/waiting for Mike grabs him in front of the Indiana National Bank Branch.
- At 05:25 Paul McDougall, driving North on Harris Avenue stops his car, hears a scream, witness’ a man holding Mike with a knife, words are exchanged, Mike is put into the car and the car drives North towards Washington Street, direction from there is unclear. Most likely East.
*Note all times are estimates.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
- IF the Mike saw the man exiting the car and coming towards him Mike would have had time to run.
- It was reported that the family bike Mike was using had the chain off and a bent in rear fender. The chain could have fallen off and damage to the fender IF Mike hit a curb causing the bike to crash.
- The suspects could have saw Mike riding/walking his bike to or from the Star Circulation Office, back tracked on West Washington Street to Hancock Avenue, left (South) to the alley way turned left (East) and headed towards Harris Avenue.
Scenario Number Five
- Mike leaves his home at 3028 Jackson Street at 04:30 on the bike.
- Mike rides East on Jackson Street to Harris Avenue, turns left (North) and then right (East) on Washington Street, rides East to the alley way just West of North Belleview Place, turns left (North) up the alley to the Indianapolis Star Circulation Office, located behind the Clark Gas Station at 2502 West Washington Street.
- Mike picks up forty eight Indianapolis Star papers.
- At 05:13 to 05:17 Mike leaves the Star Circulation Office.
- IF Mike rides South on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The ride is approx. 3 mins, .5 miles)
- IF Mike walks the bike, because of the weight and awkwardness of the papers he would, walk his bike South on the alley way to West Washington Street, turns right (West) and heads towards Harris Avenue. (The walk is approx. 9 mins, .5 miles)
- Mike then rides to the residents of William H. Johnson at 12 South Harris Avenue drops the paper off.
- Forgetting the Indiana National Bank Branch at the Southeast corner of Harris Avenue and Washington Street. (2821 West Washington Street)
- Mike leaves the bike and papers at 12 South Harris Street crosses the street to the Indiana Nation Bank Branch leaves a paper and the crosses’ back across Harris Avenue.
- At 05:20 suspects’ car pulls out of the alley way, West of Harris Avenue turns left (North) on Harris Avenue, blocks Harris Avenue at an angle, pointing towards the Indiana National Bank Branch.
- IF the man exits the car from the passenger side walks (runs) around the front (back) of the car and grabs Mike.
- IF the man exits the car from the driver’s side walks (runs) around the front (back) of the car and grabs Mike.
- At 05:25 Paul McDougall, driving North on Harris Avenue stops his car, hears a scream, witness’ a man holding Mike with a knife, words are exchanged, Mike is put into the car and the car drives North towards Washington Street, direction from there is unclear. Most likely East.
*Note all times are estimates.
PROBLEMS/POSSIBILITIES:
- IF the Mike saw the man exiting the car and coming towards him Mike would have had time to run.
- It was reported that the family bike Mike was using had the chain off and a bent in rear fender. The chain could have fallen off and damage to the fender IF Mike hit a curb causing the bike to crash.
- The suspects could have saw Mike riding/walking the bike to or from the Star Circulation Office, back tracked on West Washington Street to Hancock Avenue, left (South) to the alley way turned left (East) and headed towards Harris Avenue.
PHONE CALLS AND LETTER
The Indianapolis Star reported on November 1st, 1970, that a woman made two ‘sobbing’ phone calls after Mike’s abduction and murder.
MONDAY OCTOBER 5th, 1970 (Evening) PHONE CALL
A woman called the Farley Funeral Home and asked for Mike’s father, Gerald B. Bayles. She said, “I can’t give you my name Mr. Bayles, but I want to tell you I know the man that saw your boy murdered and I want to talk to you.” “I’d like to talk to you, but I’m afraid” (voice breaking) the woman gave Mr. Bayles a first name of a man. Mr. Bayles advise the caller to contact and talk to the police. “I don’t want to talk to the Detectives; I don’t want to give my number. Don’t you understand I’m afraid” the call then hung up.
NOTE: The Indianapolis Star reported on October 4th, 1970: “…services for Jerry are pending in the Farley Funeral Home here.” BUT no times was give or information that the Bayles family member(s) would be at the funeral home that Monday evening.
TUESDAY OCTOBER 6th, 1970 (08:30 +/-) PHONE CALL
Mrs. Bayles received a phone call at her residence (3028 West Jackson Street) the woman caller was crying. “I’m scared to death. I need to talk to someone.” Mrs. Bayles asked the caller what was wrong. “The man who killed your boy is in the house at XXXXXXXX.” The caller gave Mrs. Bayles the address and a first name; neither were published in the papers. “This man did not kill your boy, but he saw what happen”, “I’m afraid”, “I want some protection, I don’t want to talk to the Detectives.” The called told Mrs. Bayles the man she named was with the killer of Mike but did not stay with him. “He’s afraid.” The caller said referring to the man she had named. Mrs. Bayles advised the call to contact the police. The caller still crying that she didn’t want to talk to the Detectives and then hung up.
The police went to the address given by the caller and found the man had left. No last name was known. The description of the man given by the call fit that of the man McDougall witness on the morning of October 3d. That description was published in the Indianapolis Star, October 5th, and a sketch was published on the 6th. The police found inconsistencies in her story, fist she said she knew the identity of the killer then said she knew was not the killer, but was a witness.
SEPTEMBER 14th, 1971 LETTER
Mrs. Bayles received an anonymous letter address to her and mailed to her place of work. Per the police Mrs. Bayles first name was never published. Per an article published on October 17th 1970 her name was in a photo caption as “Lucille Bayles” along with the article, “Kindness From Others Pour in For Stricken family.”
“Dear Mrs. Bayles,
Its all most been a year now.
I guess it seems longer to you
You will never know who killed your boy, but I have something that will make you feel better. On the 3 day of Oct. you go to the alley by Harris Street where Mike left his bicycle and you will find a package. Come at 25 after 5 in the morning. You won’t see me but I will see you. Get the package and leave. Don’t be afraid I won’t hurt you. I did not kill Mike. But I know who did. If you knew you won’t believe it. I know your husband and all the boys. it won’t do any good to take this to the police. Some one else is writing this, not me. When you get the package go home before you open it please.”
Mrs. Bayles went to the site of Mike’s abduction, and was followed by Mr. Bayles. The police had set up multiply surveillance points earlier in the morning. No package was found by Mrs. Bayles. The police believe the letter was a cruel prank.
POINTS AND THOUGHTS
MONDAY OCTOBER 5th, 1970 (Evening) PHONE CALL
A woman called the Farley Funeral Home and asked for Mike’s father, Gerald B. Bayles. She said, “I can’t give you my name Mr. Bayles, but I want to tell you I know the man that saw your boy murdered and I want to talk to you.” “I’d like to talk to you, but I’m afraid” (voice breaking) the woman gave Mr. Bayles a first name of a man. Mr. Bayles advise the caller to contact and talk to the police. “I don’t want to talk to the Detectives; I don’t want to give my number. Don’t you understand I’m afraid” the call then hung up.
NOTE: The Indianapolis Star reported on October 4th, 1970: “…services for Jerry are pending in the Farley Funeral Home here.” BUT no times was give or information that the Bayles family member(s) would be at the funeral home that Monday evening.
TUESDAY OCTOBER 6th, 1970 (08:30 +/-) PHONE CALL
Mrs. Bayles received a phone call at her residence (3028 West Jackson Street) the woman caller was crying. “I’m scared to death. I need to talk to someone.” Mrs. Bayles asked the caller what was wrong. “The man who killed your boy is in the house at XXXXXXXX.” The caller gave Mrs. Bayles the address and a first name; neither were published in the papers. “This man did not kill your boy, but he saw what happen”, “I’m afraid”, “I want some protection, I don’t want to talk to the Detectives.” The called told Mrs. Bayles the man she named was with the killer of Mike but did not stay with him. “He’s afraid.” The caller said referring to the man she had named. Mrs. Bayles advised the call to contact the police. The caller still crying that she didn’t want to talk to the Detectives and then hung up.
The police went to the address given by the caller and found the man had left. No last name was known. The description of the man given by the call fit that of the man McDougall witness on the morning of October 3d. That description was published in the Indianapolis Star, October 5th, and a sketch was published on the 6th. The police found inconsistencies in her story, fist she said she knew the identity of the killer then said she knew was not the killer, but was a witness.
SEPTEMBER 14th, 1971 LETTER
Mrs. Bayles received an anonymous letter address to her and mailed to her place of work. Per the police Mrs. Bayles first name was never published. Per an article published on October 17th 1970 her name was in a photo caption as “Lucille Bayles” along with the article, “Kindness From Others Pour in For Stricken family.”
“Dear Mrs. Bayles,
Its all most been a year now.
I guess it seems longer to you
You will never know who killed your boy, but I have something that will make you feel better. On the 3 day of Oct. you go to the alley by Harris Street where Mike left his bicycle and you will find a package. Come at 25 after 5 in the morning. You won’t see me but I will see you. Get the package and leave. Don’t be afraid I won’t hurt you. I did not kill Mike. But I know who did. If you knew you won’t believe it. I know your husband and all the boys. it won’t do any good to take this to the police. Some one else is writing this, not me. When you get the package go home before you open it please.”
Mrs. Bayles went to the site of Mike’s abduction, and was followed by Mr. Bayles. The police had set up multiply surveillance points earlier in the morning. No package was found by Mrs. Bayles. The police believe the letter was a cruel prank.
POINTS AND THOUGHTS
- I believe the calls, letter were made and sent by the same person. I believe the caller was a friend of the witness of the killing of Mike and was truly scared for heirs and his life.
- In all three, the person refers to Mike as “your boy”.
- Believe the caller knew the Bayles family or lived in the Mount Jackson area.
- It was never published to the public that Mrs. Bayles worked at a restaurant till the October 4th 1971 article regarding the letter was published. With that said the 1968 Indianapolis City Directory has her listed as “Fannie” working as a “Steam Table Operator” at a Steak n Shake, but no location of which one. The 1970 City Directory has her listed as BAYLES JERRY B (FANNIE L).
- Mrs. Bayles, first name of Lucille was used in the one article, but it is unclear if the letter was address using that name or her name of Fannie.
- The Bayles phone number for 1965 was published in the Indianapolis City Directory as CHaple 1-1727 (241-1727).
- The Bayles phone number for 1975-1977 was published in the Indianapolis City Directory as 244-2262.
- No number listed for 1970.
- I see no “15 minutes of fame” here since the caller and letter writer never stated their name.
- I feel that whoever abducted and killed Mike had to have told someone or bragged about the crime, sorry, to have to say that. But it is something you think would not be kept to yourself. With that said, I also feel that all or part of Mike’s clothing were kept as a souvenir and a reminder to the killer of what he had done.