Case Details:

On Monday, September 20, 1977, John McKinny, 50 years old from Birmingham, Michigan was shot to death in his small office at his Birmingham Gallery, located at 1025 Haynes. The only way to enter John's office was by a rear door off the gallery parking lot, east of the building. Police theorize that John knew his murderer since there were no signs of forced entry; there were drinks found poured, but untouched; and because his gallary was closed that day.

All that was taken from the gallery was a wrapped fiber wall hanging, all his other art was still at the gallary.

Two hours before he was killed John was seen having dinner with an unknown woman at a Troy restaurant. Police are trying to locate this woman. Police feel there were two people involved in the murder. John's car was found parked next to the gallery.

An Autopsy showed one gun shot wound to the temple and that John may have been pistol-whipped about the head. There was a considerable amount of blood at the scene.

John lived in Clawson and he had a son and a daughter. John was also a Chaplain who spent Sundays visiting the elderly as a volunteer.

Person of Interest:

The woman is not considered a suspect, but is wanted for questioning. The woman is described as a white female, 30-35 years old about 5'8" with a medium build. She was wearing a black pantsuit with a beige blouse, open at the neck, exposing a plain gold necklace.

If you have any information, please contact:

Birmingham Police at (248)644-3400.