OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Investigators are asking for the public to help solve the “mysterious slayings” of two men whose bodies were found along I-75 about 17 years ago.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit is asking for anyone with any clues in this case to come forward.
“We never give up on finding the perpetrators in heinous cases like this to not only hold them accountable for their actions, but to give the family some sense of closure,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “The public’s help would be greatly appreciated and if they have any information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of someone, they would be eligible for a reward.”
Men last seen alive in October 2006
Terry Lee Holbin, 51, and Ronnie Ralph Tripp, 55, were both retired and lived together in Flint Township before they were killed.
According to the sheriff’s office, the two men were last seen alive in October 2006. They were estranged from their families.
Bodies found along I-75 in 2008
The decomposing bodies of Holbin and Tripp were found in April 2008 along the northbound side of I-75 just south of the M-15 exit in Independence Township.
According to the sheriff’s office, their bodies were discovered under some trees by a state surveying crew that was working in the area.
Both men had been shot in the head with a small-caliber firearm. Their bodies had “deteriorated badly,” and DNA analysis was used to identify them. Their deaths were ruled homicides.
The sheriff’s office said that detectives have the two victims, but little else to work off of in this case. They believe the men were shot several months before they were found dead.
Detective Sgt. Matt Peschke of the Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit said no one has been ruled out as a suspect.
“There have been extensive investigations over the years, the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unresolved,” Peschke said. “The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have information, no matter how small, to come forward. This case has remained open, and any new leads could be crucial in bringing closure to this mystery.”
Victim’s truck found burned
A year after their bodies were discovered, detectives learned that Holbin owned a 1999 Chevrolet pickup truck.
Investigators eventually found the truck, but it had “little evidentiary value” because it had been set on fire the month before it was found.
Reward offered for info
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP or leave a tip online. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest. Tipsters remain anonymous.
“If you witnessed any suspicious activity in the area during that time or have any knowledge that could assist the investigation, please contact the Cold Case Unit immediately. You may remain anonymous. Your information could make a significant difference in solving this case and providing answers for the families of the victims,” Peschke said.
