Age Progressed Photo Shows Fugitive On The Run For Michigan Murder Since 1983
SUMMERFIELD TWP. (WWJ) - Monroe County authorities have released an age progressed photo of a man wanted for murder for 33 years.
John Kelly Gentry, Jr. was 30 years old when he was accused of murdering Barbara Gerber, a 25-year-old woman found dead in her Summerfield Township, Michigan, home on April 12, 1983.
After identifying Gentry as a suspect in the killing, Monroe County Sheriff's detectives began searching for him in Toledo, Ohio, where Gerber's stolen car was found.
That's when they, along with Toledo police, found what investigators believe was Gentry's second victim: William Veith, murdered in the basement of a rare coin shop he owner on Adams Street. Veith's car was also stolen, sheriff's officials say, but was recovered in South Bend, Indiana.
Since that time, that last known contact anyone had with Gentry was through postcards he mailed. Detectives believe he sent one from San Diego, California to his friend that was postmarked May 1, 1983. Detectives also believe Gentry mailed a postcard to his father from Los Angeles on May 7, 1983 — but that's where the trail ends.
On June 7, 1988, a nationwide arrest warrant was issued for Gentry in Gerber's murder. That warrant remains active today.
In releasing several old photos of Gentry and one showing how he might look today, Sheriff Dale Malone said he's hoping someone from the public might be able to help investigators solve this cold case.
Anyone who may have seen this fugitive or who knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact Det. Jeff Smith at 734-240-7530.