On January 11, 2022, 29-year-old Michael A. Hankins of Woodridge was found dead on the side of Vinegar Hill Road in Shawangunk, near Pine Bush, New York. He had been shot multiple times at close range. Hankins was a tattoo artist and musician, described as White.

Investigators say the killing followed a dispute involving a former friend and a new romantic relationship. Walter D. Post Jr., 26, of Pine Bush, allegedly stalked his ex-girlfriend’s home, slashed Hankins’ car tires, then ambushed Hankins when he stopped to inspect the vehicle, firing the fatal shots. Post reportedly confessed to family members and surrendered to the New York State Police the same morning. He was charged with second-degree murder and later indicted by an Ulster County Grand Jury.

Court filings record that Post pleaded guilty in July 2022; at sentencing in September 2022 he received 18 years to life, a lifetime order of protection for the Hankins family, and was ordered to pay $8,200 in restitution for funeral expenses. Michael’s mother delivered an impact statement describing the joy he brought to her life.

Did anyone in the Shawangunk or Pine Bush area know Michael or have information about his movements that night?