PINEY POINT, Md. – When a local St. George’s Island resident stopped by the White Point Tavern in Piney Point on December 31, 1966, he noticed the back door was unlocked. Inside, he found the proprietor, John Michalek, lying on the floor in a pool of blood.
Former Sheriff’s Office administrator and retired Trooper Bill Miedzinski recalled the crime scene in a 1988 interview. “It looked like a slaughterhouse. Blood was everywhere.”
The investigation determined the victim was beaten in the head with a frying pan from the kitchen of White Point Tavern. John Michalek never regained consciousness and died from his injuries on March 1, 1967.
The robbery was initially believed to be the motive for the assault. Still, several investigators have disputed that motive, believing it was a dispute after closing hours involving the victim and a known acquaintance.
A suspect was developed, but investigators could not make a strong enough case to make an arrest.
John Michalek rests at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Maryland.
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