Egg Throwing Incident Ends in Road Rage Murder

May 1, 2000

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Monday, May 1, 2000

"Egg Throwing Incident Ends in Road Rage Murder"

North Hollywood – On Saturday, April 29, 2000, at approximately 10:55 PM, the California Highway Patrol responded to a traffic collision call on the southbound 101 Freeway, south of Barham Boulevard. Upon arrival they discovered a 44 year old male victim (the name is being withheld pending notification to next of kin) suffering from severe blunt force trauma, being cared for by several motorists who stopped to assist. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on April 30, 2000, at approximately 1:50 AM.

Subsequent investigation revealed that the victim was driving a 1985 black Jeep CJ7 Wrangler southbound on the 101 Freeway south of Barham Boulevard when individuals (possibly juveniles) began throwing eggs at his car. A confrontation ensued with the individuals in the other car and culminated with the victim blocking the suspect’s vehicle on the southbound number 5 lane of the 101 Freeway. As he approached their car, person(s) inside the suspect car threw objects at him. The driver then accelerated his car and ran over the victim.

The suspect (driver) described only as a dark-haired male with a black shirt, fled southbound on the 101 Freeway in a dark colored car, possible a Chevrolet Suburban.

Anyone with information regarding egg throwing incidents on Saturday night, April 30, 2000, or witnesses to the freeway confrontation should contact North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4016.

If there are any questions or if anyone has any information regarding this case please call North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4075 or 818-623-4016.

UPDATED INFORMATION

The victim has been identified as Michael Craven, 44 years old, of Canoga Park. The victim was self-employed as a Documentary Producer and the owner of Michael Craven Productions.

Additional witnesses confirm the suspect vehicle as a new Chevrolet Suburban, no plates, dealer placard is white with unknown writing, tinted windows all around the vehicle, possible front end traffic collision damage. Driver and right front seat passenger are described as light skinned males, early to mid 20’s. Anyone with information to this incident is encouraged to call North Hollywood Homicide Detectives at 818-623-4075.

Hollywood Homicide Detective Vince Bancroft is going to be holding a Press Conference at the North Hollywood Area Police Station at 3:00 p.m., in the Community Room with information in regards to this incident and asking for the assistance from the public.

For Release 2:00 pm PDT
May 1, 2000