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Judy Lichti
An Infamous Night
On July 4, 1969 Darlene Ferrin was shot to death by the Zodiac Killer in Vallejo, California. Her friend, Mike Mageau, was wounded. There was no apparent motive for the attack. The man responsible would make phone calls and letters claiming responsibility.
The Zodiac case, and that fateful July 4, would become infamous. Books were written and movies were made. The world was captivated by the motiveless killing. On that same night --within the same hour, another woman was killed without motive. Her husband and child were injured. This happened 300 miles away in Fresno. There were no books written. there were no movies made. But, as with the Zodiac, the killer was never captured.
Sudden Terror
On July 4, 1969 the Lichti's were driving home from the Kearney Bowl Speedway in Fresno. Judy Lichti was driving the car down the rural road. Her husband, John, held their 4 1/2-year-old son on his lap on the passenger side. While headed south on Fruit Avenue, three shots were fired into their car just as they pulled from the stop sign at Jensen Avenue. The first round hit Judy Lichti in the head. Subsequent shots shattered Mr. Lichti's hand and caused flying glass to injure the small boy. John Lichti decribed the vehicle as a red squareback Volkswagen. He only caught a glimpse of the car, as he soon doubled over in pain. The first call to law enforcement was logged about 11:15 PM.
As Mrs. Lichti fell over the wheel, Mr. Lichti attempted to gain control of the vehicle. After he brought the car to a stop, he carried his child into the surrounding neighborhood, screaming for help.
Judy Lichti died later in the hospital. her husband had to have one of his fingers amputated. The child was treated for lacerations.
A rewared fund was set up to encourage capture of the killer or killers. Up to $14,000 was raised by the community from donations and auctions. The reward expired and was put into a trust for the Lichti's son.
Why?
What drove the suspect to take an innocent life? For what reason would someone have shot Judy Lichti to death? There doesn't appear to be any reason. It may have been just another crime by a heartless random killer like the Zodiac.
John Lichti tried to come up with any possible motive. Was he merely grasping at straws, or was he on to something?
Lichti recalled: "That night, after the race, we walked to the parking lot with our stuff. My wife stayed to drive the car over to the pits where Michael and I were. We always go into the pits after the race. I know drivers. Then she came to the pits for a while and we left for home."
Lichti remembered a seemingly mundane incident that occurred on the night of the attack. As they were leaving the track, another car tried to cut in front of them. The Lichti's proceeded on their way and the car simply followed behind. Lichti remembered the car being similar to the suspect vehicle, but he wasn't sure.
Another idea that Lichti considered was his military service. He worked in army intelligence. he discounted that theory, though, as his work did not involve encounters with people.
Hard Top Races Were a Family Hobby
Judy Lichti was a 1958 graduate of Caruthers High School She also studied to be a dental assistant at Reedley College. She was working for Dr. Harvey Lee at the time of her death. John Lichti was employed by PG&E
Trips to Kearney Bowl were the Lichti's favorite way to spend Friday evenings. They also attended other area races.
The Kearney Bowl was torn down in 1970.
Information
If you have information about this case, contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Department
Information
(559) 488-3939
Detective Bureau
(559) 488-3606
Contact CrimeShadows.com with information realted to the above article.
Sources: Modesto Bee, Fresno Bee, San Mateo Times, Long Beach Independent Press-Telegram