Cops to killers of Hoover husband, father: 'It's time to worry'
Hoover police are trying to identify at least two suspects captured on video surveillance cameras in Tuscaloosa. They are believed to be linked to the slaying of Hoover father Mike Gilotti. (Hoover Police)
By Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com
Hoover, AL
At least two of the men wanted for questioning in the shooting death of a Hoover husband and father gunned down on the doorstep of his Lake Cyrus home earlier this week were seen on surveillance video in Tuscaloosa, and authorities are now asking for the public's help in identifying them.
The photos were taken after the suspects left the Tuscaloosa area, and just prior to them returning to the Bessemer/ Hoover area, Hoover Capt. Gregg Rector said Friday evening. He gave these descriptions of those suspects:
Hoover PD
Unknown black male wearing a dark colored hoodie with "FLY" on the front. Smaller letters underneath the word fly are believed to say, "FIRST LOVE YOURSELF."
This individual is believed to be 19 years old and attended Bessemer City High School. He is known to frequent the McCalla / Tannehill area, as well as Arlington Avenue and Roosevelt Park areas in Bessemer.
Hoover PD
Second unknown black male wearing a long sleeved shirt with an unknown logo on the front and back. He was also wearing a baseball cap with an unknown logo on the front and side. This individual is a known associate of the suspect wearing the "FLY" shirt. He also frequents the Bessemer area.
Rector said at least two other people were in vehicles outside the store when the photos were taken.
They are sought for questioning in the Tuesday death of Mike Gilotti, a 33-year-old husband, father and Iraq war veteran, was shot to death about 4:55 a.m. just outside his home in the 5500 block of Park Side Circle in Hoover's Lake Cyrus subdivision. He was heading to the gym for a morning workout when police believe he encountered one or more suspects breaking into his car. One shot was fired, and Gilotti collapsed on his doorstep. He was later pronounced dead on the scene.
Investigators said they do not believe an overnight incident where someone fired shots at Vestavia Hills police is linked in any way to their case.
"The Hoover Police Department remains committed to solving this horrible and senseless crime. Detectives and Crime Scene investigators are working very hard gathering and analyzing evidence,'' Rector said. "We're not quite there yet, but we've made a tremendous amount of progress over the past three days. "
"For the suspects involved in this crime, it's time to worry, and it's time to be concerned about what the next few days may bring,'' Rector said. "It's also time to think long and hard about the exact role they played in this murder. I think it's safe to say that one of them has more to worry about than the others. We have a very clear goal that we're working toward and we're not stopping until we get it."
Hoover husband, father shot to death leaving home for gym
Jonathan Michael "Mike" Gilotti has been identified as the victim. The shooting happened at 4:55 a.m. on Park Side Circle, where police say there was a rash of overnight car break-ins.
Hoover investigators have worked throughout the week following leads and processing evidence. On Tuesday, Rector said surveillance video obtained from a nearby resident provided officers with a suspect vehicle description, which was an older Ford F-250 pickup seen leaving the Lake Cyrus area very close to the time of the murder. About 11 a.m., Tuesday, just six hours after the slaying, Bessemer police officers were notified of an abandoned truck near the intersection of Roland Avenue and Elmore Street. This area is located near the Jonesboro and Burstall communities.
Some of the items recovered from inside the pickup truck were stolen during the rash of vehicle break-ins on Park Side Circle. The abandoned Ford F-250 was towed to Hoover for further evidence processing.
Cops find truck used in murder of Hoover father, husband
Hoover police say the recovered Ford F-250 linked to the slaying of Mike Gilotti was found abandoned in Bessemer and also used in a string of crimes in Tuscaloosa County Monday night.
Rector said it was also reported that four unknown black male suspects were seen walking away from the truck and getting into a dark colored Jeep Cherokee. Detectives believe those individuals likely have ties to the Bessemer area.
Additionally, Rector said, the abandoned Ford F-250 was stolen late Monday night in a residential area of Tuscaloosa County. There were also multiple vehicle break-ins reported in the same area where the truck was stolen. These crimes occurred in the Highway 69 / Inverness area of Tuscaloosa County. It appears the suspects committed these crimes earlier in the night, prior to coming to Hoover.
Hoover police, assisted by Bessemer and Tuscaloosa lawmen as well as the U.S. Marshal's Service, have continued the intense investigation. "We have several detectives that are working solely on this case and it will remain, until solved, the number 1 priority of the Hoover Police Department,'' Rector said Thursday. "We continue to follow leads, conduct interviews, gather and process evidence and work with our partner agencies."
Gilotti, an Iraqi war veteran, served as a U.S. Army tank commander, first lieutenant and platoon leader in the 12th Cavalry Regiment. An Avon, Connecticut native, Gilotti worked at the State Farm claims office on Lakeshore Parkway. He and his wife had two young sons, ages 5 and 1. Co-workers said they were not authorized to speak about Gilotti but said the entire office is devastated. "Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and coworkers and he will be greatly missed," said State Farm spokesman Roszell Gadson.
His wife of eight years, Heather, heard the shot and called 911. His two young sons, Russell and Kevin, were inside the home. Since his death, neighbors have expressed concern about their safety. They've also burned candles and flown American flags in his honor.
Visitation for Gilotti will be held Sunday from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Riverchase United Methodist Church. The funeral will follow at 3 p.m., according to his obituary.
Hoover police investigated five homicides in 2015. The city has had 21 murders over the past 10 years, and hasn't had an unsolved murder since 2004. "Our detectives are determined to solve this senseless crime. They already have more evidence than they had a few hours ago,'' Rector said. "We also know the suspects who were breaking into the cars are indeed the same suspects who shot Mr. Gilotti. These individuals are heartless and have no regard for human life. "
Investigators continue to ask for the public's assistance in helping solve this senseless crime. Individuals who have knowledge of these suspects and their identity are urged to come forward immediately. Sergeant Keith Czeskleba can be reached at 205-739-6795 or you may contact the Hoover Police Department at 205-822-5300. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward by calling Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama at 205-254-7777.
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