Remains discovered in Niskayuna in March 2021 have been identified, bringing an end to a 9-year-old case. Officials with the Niskayuna Police Department reported on Friday the case against the accused rapist known as Zombie Mike has been closed.
Human remains discovered in March belonged to the wanted man, Michael Hawkins, officials in New York State stated on Friday, confirming an August suspicion. According to law authorities, Hawkins earned the nickname Zombie Mike due to his alleged lack of proper hygiene and could live in the woods for extended periods of time.
‘Zombie’ Michael Hawkins In One of His YouTube Video Uploads (Photo: Law and Crime)
Hawkins Had Two Count Of Rape Arrest Warrant
Hawkins had warrants out for his arrest on two counts of rape committed in Schenectady County in 2012 and 2013. First, he was suspected of assaulting a developmentally disabled woman in a wheelchair on June 10, 2012, according to various reports from officials. When the attack occurred, her family was sleeping in a nearby room at a Schenectady, New York, apartment. However, she reported the rape the next day, and officials quickly got an arrest warrant the following June 16.
Read Also: $1,100 Stimulus Check To Be Distributed To Some Americans; Find Out If Your State Is Eligible
Hawkins, on the other hand, was not arrested. He was described as a roving carnival worker who could live off food scraps and was seemingly difficult to locate. The search extended all the way to Georgia and was featured on the television show “In Pursuit of John Walsh.”
Authorities stated he assaulted a friend’s wife at her house in Rotterdam, New York, the following November. While the authorities remained frustrated, Hawkins continued to upload videos to his YouTube website, most of which featured him playing music. The most recent post was made on December 14, 2012.
He Committed Suicide
In March of this year, investigators discovered a badly decomposed Hawkins in New York State. According to the Albany, N.Y. Times Union, sources acquainted with the case indicated in August that remains discovered in the Town of Niskayuna, N.Y., off Consaul Road were those of Hawkins. During a press conference Friday afternoon, law authorities stated that they could test DNA from dental remains and DNA from the two rape kits to determine if they were a match.
Using a DNA sample from one of Hawkins’ relatives, they determined that the remains discovered in the woods belonged to Hawkins. According to law authorities, the death is believed to be a suicide. The theory from investigators is that Hawkins hung himself from a tree but fell to the ground as his body decomposed.
Related Article: Louisiana State Trooper, Civilian Die To A Shooting Carnage While Four Others Severely Wounded; Suspect Caught After Manhunt
