MI MI - George Kennedy Jr, 4, Fraser, 29 Jun 1979

[Brotherfudz]

First heard of this case from a comment of a family member of George’s on an article for some other unsolved murder a few years ago but couldn’t find a thing about him, then recently heard a podcast from Already Gone mentioning him and it peaked my interest again. So after reaching out to Nina Michigan she found a few articles about the case. Info is really hard to come by but this is all I’ve found. This horrible crime occurred a couple years after the OCCK and police at the time said their was no connection to those unsolved serial killings.

On Wednesday June 27, 1979 at 1:30 he was playing in front of his Fraser, MI home where he lived with his mother Rene (parents recently divorced). Police were notified of his disappearance at 4 pm. His body was found around 6pm by an 8 or 9 year old boy riding their bike on Kerner rd south of Clinton River rd. (7 miles northeast of his home) Police stated he was smothered to death by a right handed man, his body showed no signs of violence and was NOT sexually molested. Time of death between 2pm and 6pm. Apparently early on they had two suspects but were questioned and released, first man was said to be cleared couldn’t find anything saying the second was cleared of any wrong doing. Two witnesses saw an older modeled white Cadillac with white vinyl top near where the boy was found between 3 and 4pm. Suspiciously that night, George’s father, George Sr. was playing softball between 6pm and 7:30pm, unknowingly 300 yards from where his sons body was found. George Sr. voluntarily submitted to a polygraph test, passed and police said he was not a suspect in the murder. The Fraser and Clinton Township Police formed a 20 officer task force to work the case. After about the second week of July 1979 I wasn’t able to find any other mention of the case.

 

[Nina Michigan]

This case is troubling. I'm glad you started a thread on him.

I think (spitballing here) someone wanted to frame dad for the murder and/or make it look like he was another victim of OCCK. Cause of death, left by the side of the road.

 

[AliceInPain]

sbm bbm

Police stated he was smothered to death by a right handed man,

How did they know it was a man who smothered George?
My first thought (after reading through) was dad's new girlfriend (if he had one.)
No other motive than to get rid of the poor little boy.

 

[Brotherfudz]

From bruising they were able to tell it was most likely a right handed person, the newspaper article stated a right handed man if I remember correctly but I assume it definitely could’ve been a female as well

 

[AliceInPain]

From bruising they were able to tell it was most likely a right handed person, the newspaper article stated a right handed man if I remember correctly but I assume it definitely could’ve been a female as well

Most people are right-handed.
I know right.
Thank you so much for bringing over some of the newsp snippets here.
Much appreciated =).

 

[Brotherfudz]

Here’s the article I found the comment from

 

[AliceInPain]

Guess I can't respond to their determination of sex of murderer, was 40 + years ago.
Well, the world have changed, and it's not only women who are dainty anymore, nor is it males who are just broad and masculine.
Just bring justice for this boy, ever looked into the girlf?

 

[Brotherfudz]

Couple other articles, talking about how George’s father found out and then clearing a second man

 

[Brotherfudz]

Here they are...

 

[Brotherfudz]

Anyone else have any info on this case?

 

[Brotherfudz]

Bump

 

[Nina Michigan]

The anniversary of his murder is approaching

 

[Wrobo]

Who would be a contact for this case?

 

[Brotherfudz]

Familiar with the case?

 

[Wrobo]

Is there a detective I can contact? Don't know who you are. Thanks

 

[Brotherfudz]

Is there a detective I can contact? Don't know who you are. Thanks

I would message Nina Michigan, she would probably know

 

[alucardsdream]

There really isn't much info out there on this case...after the initial flurry of articles, it dropped out of the papers for good. I couldn't even find any anniversary articles on it. Kind of heart-breaking that a little boy can be murdered and then seemingly forgotten about a month later.

 

[Brotherfudz]

How is a little boy murdered, then gets no attention for 40+ years????

 

[Nina Michigan]

How is a little boy murdered, then gets no attention for 40+ years????

when the perpetrator is long deceased. That's what I've heard anyway.

 

[Brotherfudz]

when the perpetrator is long deceased. That's what I've heard anyway.

That’s so sad. We’re you planning on doing an episode on the case? Would love to hear it. Did your source imply it was a relative who committed the crime?