Update: Police find stolen pickup truck used in murder of Hoover father, husband, Iraq veteran
By Carol Robinson | crobinson@al.com
Hoover, AL
Police have recovered a pickup truck believed used by the killer or killers in the shooting death of a Hoover man slain on his own doorstep, and now investigators are challenging those who know what happened to come forward.
"Fortunately for us, and from an investigative standpoint, one round was fired by one suspect holding one gun. So now that triggerman has 'friends' who are talking to others,'' Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector told AL.com. "Maybe they thought they were going out to break into cars and not kill and innocent person who was simply going about his daily routine. We'll see how long it takes for one of them to come forward and do the right thing. Or, they can wait on police to come for them."
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.
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.
Rector said at least 10 cars had been broken into overnight in the same subdivision. They believe Gilotti surprised a thief, and died as a result.
Hoover investigators worked throughout the day following leads and processing evidence. 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., 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.
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. Anyone with information about a group of males riding in a Jeep Cherokee in this area is urged to contact police.
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.
Gilotti 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.
Hoover husband killed, was the most innocent of victimsA man was shot to death early this morning when he was leaving his Hoover home to go to the gym. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victim, but said he was a 33-year-old husband and father. It's possible, authorities said, he encountered someone who was responsible for a rash of car break-ins overnight in the Lake Cyrus community.
Police are asking that any resident who observed suspicious persons or vehicles in the area, especially between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., to contact detectives. Any resident who believes their vehicle was burglarized overnight and has not yet filed a report with police is asked to do so.
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.
"This whole scenario and how it unfolded this morning is just unthinkable and sickening. It's really difficult to talk about without being angry,'' Rector said. "Mr. Gilotti was outstanding man who proudly fought for our country. He was successful, responsible and just living a normal life. Now his wife lost her husband and two precious kids lost their dad. It's just heartbreaking."