On the evening of December 28, 1981, Ruth Hunter and her husband Jay Hunter were shot to death in the bedroom of their Pacifica, California, home. Evidence introduced at the subsequent trial showed that Ruth’s stepson, Michael Wayne Hunter, had harbored longstanding grievances against them, including anger over being reported by Ruth for breaking into the home and disputes tied to his natural mother’s will. In the weeks before the killings Michael reportedly discussed plans, alibis and methods with a friend, Thomas Henkemeyer.

A neighbor heard several gunshots the night of the murders; the bodies were found the next day, with Jay on the bed and Ruth against a far wall with a telephone receiver nearby. Michael was arrested, convicted of both killings and initially sentenced to death in May 1984; his sentence was later changed to life without parole after a retrial in February 2002.

Does anyone have additional details about the victims or the lead-up to the crime that could add context to this family tragedy?