One of the eeriest unsolved mysteries and hits close to home because I'm from San Jose. Anyone want to shed more insight on this?

Maybe he was following them because he was trying to figure out the way to San Jose?

Bad joke aside, something doesn't add up for me on this case. If the creep intended to kill Dick and/or his friend, why didn't he kill them initially after everyone pulled over? or he could have tried to run them off the road. I am glad he didn't go after the friend although I am a bit perplexed by it. I wonder if the "get the blankety blank" out of here statement was what enraged him.

As I said in this thread here, I think the killer was pointing at Jean and not her license plate: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=236066
He may have been just looking for a thrill, but there's also a chance of sexual motivation. The thread is full of interesting theories, including some information unearthed on Websleuths. Check it out! :)

In a previous thread, there was an article posted that said Dick and Jean were blocking a row of mailboxes when the killer pulled up behind them. As sick as this is, I really think that was the motive behind the murder.

Great stuff guys. Thanks for your input. Yeah, I wish I could rewind time and investigate this from day one myself. So frustrating, yet intriguing.

If the killer is still alive he is pissed.

If the killer is still alive he is pissed.

Everyone should be mad, freaking Seattle going to the Super Bowl instead of San Francisco. It's crap!

Oh there's the possibility you weren't talking about that.

This is a crazy case that doesn't make sense. I know its a possibility but I never bought the theory about the license plate being the reason. Possible but probably not likely. I've always wondered if jean knew the guy or maybe he thought he knew her. Wonder if they checked out any ex boyfriends of hers? Maybe something in dicks past? Its definitely possible that its completely random but I have a feeling there's more to the story.

I've been looking for the date this crime took place and I can't find it. I'm assuming it was a Sunday. I want to know if the 49ers lost that weekend. Yes I believe this angle.

I've been looking for the date this crime took place and I can't find it. I'm assuming it was a Sunday. I want to know if the 49ers lost that weekend. Yes I believe this angle.

April 29, 1991. That's a pretty compelling theory and I was all set to look up some old football scores, but alas, football season would have been long over by then. But interestingly enough, a search reveals that this date was a Monday and the NFL draft took place the previous day.

Its def a possibility but this case is hard to figure out. Very few clues and mainly eye witness testimony. I'm wondering if the guy was there waiting for them to leave or followed them from the bar to his truck without them realizing it. So many unanswered questions.

I saw that date but thought it was Original Air Date not knowing it was a Monday. Now I don't know what to think. 49ers went 14-2. Lost in NFC Championship game on a game ending FG. Hmm.

I saw that date but thought it was Original Air Date not knowing it was a Monday. Now I don't know what to think. 49ers went 14-2. Lost in NFC Championship game on a game ending FG. Hmm.

Didn't just lose on a game winning field goal, they had the game locked up till Roger Craig fumbled. That was the Niners three-peat right there, the Niners should have been the first team to win 3 Super Bowls in a row. That was also the game that Leonard Marshall obliterated Joe Montana, and pretty much ended Montana's career as a Niner. He only played one more game with San Francisco after that.

Didn't just lose on a game winning field goal, they had the game locked up till Roger Craig fumbled. That was the Niners three-peat right there, the Niners should have been the first team to win 3 Super Bowls in a row. That was also the game that Leonard Marshall obliterated Joe Montana, and pretty much ended Montana's career as a Niner. He only played one more game with San Francisco after that.

Sorry, but those 1990 49ers were no cinch to defeat Buffalo in the Super Bowl. Game would have been roughly pick-em. I realize that sounds hard to believe, given Montana's reputation for never losing and Kelly's reputation for never winning, but none of Buffalo's 4 losses had taken place yet. The 1990 Bills were the best of the lot and had yet to be shaken by the reputation of losing the big one.

You can see how tight the odds would have been by comparing numbers. San Francisco was -8 hosting the Giants. A week later Buffalo was -7.5 point favorite against the Giants on a neutral field in Tampa.

Besides, the 49ers slipped dramatically from the awesome team of 1989 to the much more ordinary 1990 version. Then as now, the sports media does an inept job of relaying the most vital categories. San Francisco's Yards Per Pass Attempt Differential was an astonishing +3.2 in 1989. That type of dominance is rarely seen in the pros. It looks more like a college number. Seattle led the league at +2.1 this season, for reference purposes.

In 1990, the 49ers slipped to +1.2. That's a good team but nothing special. Their won-loss record masked how vulnerable they were. Several teams each season are +1.2 or better. This year there were four, including Denver at +1.6.

The 1990 49ers would have had near parity with the +1.1 Buffalo Bills. Also, there was only a one week gap between the conference title game and Super Bowl that season. That made it very difficult to prepare for Buffalo's up tempo style. The Giants shortened the game via Ottis Anderson's plowhorse style but the 49ers were not as physical. There would have been more possessions for the Bills and their unique offense.

BTW, my YPPA Differential system is 6-2 versus the spread in the playoffs. :D

Sorry, but those 1990 49ers were no cinch to defeat Buffalo in the Super Bowl. Game would have been roughly pick-em. I realize that sounds hard to believe, given Montana's reputation for never losing and Kelly's reputation for never winning, but none of Buffalo's 4 losses had taken place yet. The 1990 Bills were the best of the lot and had yet to be shaken by the reputation of losing the big one.

You can see how tight the odds would have been by comparing numbers. San Francisco was -8 hosting the Giants. A week later Buffalo was -7.5 point favorite against the Giants on a neutral field in Tampa.

Besides, the 49ers slipped dramatically from the awesome team of 1989 to the much more ordinary 1990 version. Then as now, the sports media does an inept job of relaying the most vital categories. San Francisco's Yards Per Pass Attempt Differential was an astonishing +3.2 in 1989. That type of dominance is rarely seen in the pros. It looks more like a college number. Seattle led the league at +2.1 this season, for reference purposes.

I apologize for the lateness of my reply, of course the 1990 team wasn't as good as the 1989 team. The 1989 team is arguably the greatest team the NFL has seen, for me it's between the 84 Niners (the horrible pass interference call against Pittsburgh caused them to not go undefeated), the 85 Bears, and the 89 Niners.

I do think the 90 Niners would have beat the Bills. That was the best Bills team of the bunch, but they would be going against Steve Young (he'd obviously be filling in for an injured Montana), Rice, Craig, Taylor, Rathman, and Jones on offense. On defense the Niners were excellent, that always gets overlooked about the Niners Dynasty, those were excellent defenses. Now granted Young hadn't become the best QB in football yet, he took that mantle in 92, his second full year as the starter. That being said, don't forget Young was still an excellent QB at that time, he was good enough to cause a QB controversy with Montana at his peak, and this wasn't a coach that didn't know much wondering if he should start Young over Montana, this was Bill Walsh. Bill Walsh is probably the best offensive mind the NFL has seen, the guy knew the game, he knew talent. He was the one who wanted Young on the Niners, he loved Jerry Rice in college, he drafted Montana, and Roger Craig. So if he's not sure who is better Montana or Young, then that says a whole lot. Of course I'm a little biased, Young is my favorite athlete ever. Freaking Lawrence Phillips not knowing how to block.

But that's neither here nor there, and despite the whole license plate thing has nothing to do with Dick Hansen's death. I'd agree that Jean was probably the motive.

In a previous thread, there was an article posted that said Dick and Jean were blocking a row of mailboxes when the killer pulled up behind them. As sick as this is, I really think that was the motive behind the murder.

That's definitely an interesting theory, however, I still think the bumper sticker had something to do with it.

Let's say Dick went up to the guy and asked him what he wanted. Maybe the guy mentioned the mailboxes and then said something negative about them being Niners fans and Dick told him to F off.

Either way, I had not thought about the mailbox issue. I rented a house for a year, years ago while the house I wanted was being built in an upstart neighborhood. In my rent house neighborhood, our mailboxes were by the road. The idiots who lived across the street from me would always have parties or friends over and their friends would park in front of my mailbox. One time I couldn't put my trash out the next day so I sat the cans right by the drivers side door. It can definitely be annoying when someone is blocking a mailbox but I didn't want to shoot anyone over it!

That's definitely an interesting theory, however, I still think the bumper sticker had something to do with it.

Let's say Dick went up to the guy and asked him what he wanted. Maybe the guy mentioned the mailboxes and then said something negative about them being Niners fans and Dick told him to F off.

Either way, I had not thought about the mailbox issue. I rented a house for a year, years ago while the house I wanted was being built in an upstart neighborhood. In my rent house neighborhood, our mailboxes were by the road. The idiots who lived across the street from me would always have parties or friends over and their friends would park in front of my mailbox. One time I couldn't put my trash out the next day so I sat the cans right by the drivers side door. It can definitely be annoying when someone is blocking a mailbox but I didn't want to shoot anyone over it!

I could definitely see a scenario where Dick confronts the guy about what his problem is, and the guy says something along the lines of "typical 49er fans", etc. blocking the mailbox which pissed him off. I wouldn't be surprised if the guy was a Raiders fan.

I think its just some lonely insecure young man in his upper twenties or mid thirties who saw a couple in a bar and/or after the bar by mail box. Some men who are lonely and psycho will be more jealous compared to other people.

Also maybe this man was on daily meds and drank alcohol (they were all in tavern area) which does not mix and if taking anti-depressants or anxiety pills then he can become delusional or easily irritated! I believe its just a man who couldn't get or keep a woman and had to get anti-depression pills and u don't mix those with alcohol or other drugs. This has nothing to do with 49er plates or mailbox. More likely alcohol and jealousy.

The man may have been toying with them which is why he drove all that way. Dick was mad at him because he was terrorizing and stalking them on the highway.

did anyone of you see the Dick Hanson dates from hell segment from ID channel? on UM they show the chase on a high interstate type of highway with 3 lanes wide. But on this new version its like a smaller slow paced city highway, not an interstate. WTF. you can see "jean" in this one because she is wearing a wig but we still see her face as she makes a cameo

I could definitely see a scenario where Dick confronts the guy about what his problem is, and the guy says something along the lines of "typical 49er fans", etc. blocking the mailbox which pissed him off. I wouldn't be surprised if the guy was a Raiders fan.

Good point on the Raiders fan. Those who knows sports don't need any kind if explanation on that one!

There wasn't a whole lot of background or substance to this case, but damn if it wasn't scary. On the surface it looks like one of those random bit of violence invoking a nut. Simple, but effective reenactment. I never believed much in the football scenario. Either guy got amped up and used Dick's confrontation as an excuse to get violent or we can go into unsubstantiated theory territory.

Of course the only thing we have to go on is "Jean" and she is never looked at / labeled as a potential suspect so the story is presented as factual as she remembers it. Don't think this will every be solved which is unfortunate.

My current theory is that maybe jean knew the guy. It could have been completely random though.

Someone on Facebook was posting about it and they thought maybe jean shot dick and made up the whole story about the guy following them etc. It's an interesting theory.

Yeah my thoughts went there too, but there's no evidence to support it. Heck we don't even know if 'Jean' was considered a suspect and investigated at the time.

it is not hard to imagine that someone killed someone else over football fandom, but the way UM presented it in a random matter of fact manner is hard to believe. I wonder if it could have been someone that knew them and maybe she did not recognize him.

Ok even if you go with the football theory - then it's still a random nut. There was no indication she knew the guy. The segment presented it as they were alone and the car showed up. If this is factual that makes it unlikely they were followed from the bar or whatnot.

'Jean' didn't want her real name or appearance used. People only do that because they're afraid of appraisal from criminals or they're guilty themselves. Them and their vehicles ending up in a random street discounts 'Jean' is involved however. It gets too complicated and highly unlikely.

It is possible that 49er hugs to that creep was a sexual connotation or code word for hooking. it is very possible the shooter was looking to get some and thought she was a hooker. and he shot dick cause he didn't like what he said and didn't want to get caught out looking for sex.

The guy is strolling for sex and thinks he's going to get some based on a vanity license plate? That seems really out there. It doesn't add with following them or committing murder.

I see there's another thread here on this case that mentions Dick had a substance abuse problem. That adds an interesting angle, but I don't think anything ever came of it.

My theory has always been that it was a random guy that didn't know either of them, and something they did or said provoked him enough into a rage. It could've been the sports team on the license plate, the mailboxes being blocked, or even something else all together like they cut him off or talked too loud at wherever they went to eat or something miniscule like that which bothered him. Dude just happened to be carrying a gun for whatever reason (maybe he was a gun nut or paranoid about self defense), and the rest is history. "Micro Aggression Rage" is what I'd call it.

To be perfectly honest, I never bought into the license plate/deranged fan scenario that UM tried to sell. In actuality the Hansen segment always seemed, IMO anyway, like a text book example of UM creating their own narrative and then crafting the segment accordingly. "Jean" never sat right with me, and I've always wondered if there was a possibility that she was involved in the murder, or knew more than she was telling. Now to be fair, I have absolutely nothing conclusive upon which to base my suspicions, but can't help how I feel regardless. And if the information on the WS site that was mentioned up thread can be believed, there were A LOT of relevant facts that UM left out.

IF the info on WS is accurate, then I feel it's much more likely that Hansen's murder had something to do with that rather than some deranged fan and a random act of violence. That being said however, I'm still not inclined to put much stock in the UM narrative, regardless of the accuracy (or inaccuracy as the case may be) of the WS posts. At the end of the day, I guess only "Jean" herself can say if she was a participant in the crime or just a terrified witness as portrayed by UM.

Okay, so the football theory, who are the fanbases that, especially at that time, would have hated the Niners the most?

I am thinking Cowboys and Raiders come to mind immediately. When it comes to a Raiders fan there is nothing that I would put past them (okay, I am sort of joking). A Cowboys fan could have resentment for the Niners success in the 1980s especially at their expense and considering their heyday in the 1970s has passed. But to stalk him, and then shoot him with a witness? Hmmm.

I always thought the possibility would be a hitman, but he wouldn't want to be seen in this situation. He wouldn't do it so obviously and with so much attention.

My thought goes to Jean. This entire scenario is based on her testimony. So we are taking her story as gospel here. It reminds me of Eric Tamiyaseu (I know that is spelled wrong) and his girlfriend at the time. I just never feel like these ladies are telling us everything they know. To me I feel that in both cases a jealous ex-lover is behind it. That would make sense as to why Jean was never shot, because in all honesty it makes no sense that she wasn't shot but Dick was.

Lastly, Jean could be completely truthful and this could just be some revenge for drug dealing or anything that Dick may or may not have gotten mixed up in.

Okay, so the football theory, who are the fanbases that, especially at that time, would have hated the Niners the most?

I am thinking Cowboys and Raiders come to mind immediately. When it comes to a Raiders fan there is nothing that I would put past them (okay, I am sort of joking). A Cowboys fan could have resentment for the Niners success in the 1980s especially at their expense and considering their heyday in the 1970s has passed. But to stalk him, and then shoot him with a witness? Hmmm.

The Rams are the Niners' biggest rival now and then.

A couple years before the murder, the Niners beat the snot out of the Rams in the NFC Championship, and that was the last time the Rams did anything till Kurt Warner.

The weird thing about the anti 49ers fan angle is that according to the reenactment the killer pulled up out of nowhere and parked behind them only to stalk them and possibly refer to the license plate before shooting dick. It was also brought up that Dick looked like a football player. Dick was a bit older so I doubt that he actually resembled a player at that time. So that too sounds like a theory. I question her story if only because maybe neither dick nor Jean recognized the guy, but maybe he was following them from before for whatever reason. Maybe he saw them earlier in the night somewhere. he could have seen the license plate or had some other problem with them that led him to follow them and they only noticed him once they were all alone with him on the road.

The Rams are the Niners' biggest rival now and then.

A couple years before the murder, the Niners beat the snot out of the Rams in the NFC Championship, and that was the last time the Rams did anything till Kurt Warner.

So just to sort of put the idea of the football angle to bed, we can look at it this way. April 1991 Dick gets shot. The Niners lost to the Giants in the playoffs that year, so it isn't a disgruntled Giants fan. The shooting also happened in San Jose, so the likelihood that it is a Raiders fan would be higher. The game that you are talking about where the L.A. Rams got clobbered was in January of 1990 by the Niners (probably the best team in history, the 1989 Niners in my opinion). Then they murdered the Broncos two weeks later in the Super Bowl. It could be a Broncos fan too, who knows. Denver is still a little ways away from San Jose though. But either way, while I know how nuts NFL fans can be at games and such and no doubt there are fans that brawl on a whim like that, are there stories you hear of actual murders just because someone else's team is better than yours? I don't know.

The weird thing about the anti 49ers fan angle is that according to the reenactment the killer pulled up out of nowhere and parked behind them only to stalk them and possibly refer to the license plate before shooting dick. It was also brought up that Dick looked like a football player. Dick was a bit older so I doubt that he actually resembled a player at that time. So that too sounds like a theory. I question her story if only because maybe neither dick nor Jean recognized the guy, but maybe he was following them from before for whatever reason. Maybe he saw them earlier in the night somewhere. he could have seen the license plate or had some other problem with them that led him to follow them and they only noticed him once they were all alone with him on the road.

This is why I am thinking an extensive look into Jean's past with boyfriends is vital. But to be honest, outside of a jailhouse confession, this is unlikely to be a case that ever gets solved.

So just to sort of put the idea of the football angle to bed, we can look at it this way. April 1991 Dick gets shot. The Niners lost to the Giants in the playoffs that year, so it isn't a disgruntled Giants fan. The shooting also happened in San Jose, so the likelihood that it is a Raiders fan would be higher. The game that you are talking about where the L.A. Rams got clobbered was in January of 1990 by the Niners (probably the best team in history, the 1989 Niners in my opinion). Then they murdered the Broncos two weeks later in the Super Bowl. It could be a Broncos fan too, who knows. Denver is still a little ways away from San Jose though. But either way, while I know how nuts NFL fans can be at games and such and no doubt there are fans that brawl on a whim like that, are there stories you hear of actual murders just because someone else's team is better than yours? I don't know.



This is why I am thinking an extensive look into Jean's past with boyfriends is vital. But to be honest, outside of a jailhouse confession, this is unlikely to be a case that ever gets solved.

yes sports hooligan murders have happened, although I am sure that they are rare. and this kind of fits the bill of a rare crime if you consider it could have been random. I tend to give Jean the benefit of the doubt. I don't necessarily think there is a reason to believe that she outright lied, but it is possible to think that her memory of the ordeal was not 100% accurate as portrayed on the reenactment. I would think there would have had to have been some type of trigger or reason for the guy to creep up on them like that. it doesn't make sense that by chance in the still of the night he pulls up on the curb behind them and just happens to see the 49er Hugs plate and then gets upset about it. I would think he would have spotted them somewhere before that and followed them.

if it was an anti 49ers thing we know which fan bases have the reputation. My sports brain says it must have been a raiders fan because the raiders used to be very good before they were forced out of the Bay Area right around the time that the 49ers emerged as a prolific championship team. Bay Area raiders fans probably have to be annoyed by the 49ers. Ironically the 49ers play their games close to San Jose now, probably close to where this all took place. The Cowboys do have a lot of fans in California, but I don't see the cowboys/49ers rivalry being a big thing before the cowboys emerged in the 90's. in those days you could sense the rivalry because both teams were beating one another and their playoff matchup determined the Super Bowl winner 3 years in a row. they also had superstar players flip teams which is weird for a rivalry.

yes sports hooligan murders have happened, although I am sure that they are rare. and this kind of fits the bill of a rare crime if you consider it could have been random. I tend to give Jean the benefit of the doubt. I don't necessarily think there is a reason to believe that she outright lied, but it is possible to think that her memory of the ordeal was not 100% accurate as portrayed on the reenactment. I would think there would have had to have been some type of trigger or reason for the guy to creep up on them like that. it doesn't make sense that by chance in the still of the night he pulls up on the curb behind them and just happens to see the 49er Hugs plate and then gets upset about it. I would think he would have spotted them somewhere before that and followed them.

if it was an anti 49ers thing we know which fan bases have the reputation. My sports brain says it must have been a raiders fan because the raiders used to be very good before they were forced out of the Bay Area right around the time that the 49ers emerged as a prolific championship team. Bay Area raiders fans probably have to be annoyed by the 49ers. Ironically the 49ers play their games close to San Jose now, probably close to where this all took place. The Cowboys do have a lot of fans in California, but I don't see the cowboys/49ers rivalry being a big thing before the cowboys emerged in the 90's. in those days you could sense the rivalry because both teams were beating one another and their playoff matchup determined the Super Bowl winner 3 years in a row. they also had superstar players flip teams which is weird for a rivalry.

Fair points on the Raiders fans. Regardless, they have always felt they were robbed of things such as bad calls from refs, etc. Few fan bases complain about that more.

As for the Cowboys you can look back to 1981 as the time the two met in the playoffs which led to "The Catch" and a win by the 49ers. It was sort of a passing of the torch. The Cowboys weren't dominant in the 1980s while the 49ers started to be then.

But alas, I'd have to think the murder was because of a crazed fan to put weight into this, and I just don't think it was.

The crazed football fan angle in this case always seemed crazy and farfetched to me. I know people can be irrationally crazy about sports and I know that there are incidents of people killing others over sports. However, usually such incidents follow some kind of altercation. The idea of a guy simply seeing a 49er license plate and following somebody for 10 miles and then shooting them over it seems beyond comprehension. Others have mentioned the blocking of the mailbox as maybe enraging the stalker. That theory seems the most likely to me as well

It's always bothered me that the only witness was this Jean person. From what I know - nobody else saw this guy/car outside the bar, saw Jean and/or Dick being followed at all, being chased at high speeds and with dangerous maneuvers on the highway, when they all pulled over, a similar crime being committed in the same area and time, and/or hearing gun shots.

No forensic evidence. No tire tracks, no ballistics match, nothing.

It's possible it was a RAOV and the guy got away by pure luck, but how likely?? Even with Carol's shooting in CT, at least other drivers saw the black truck driving strangely outside of the shooting itself.

Her recount of the chase seemed awkward and a little contrived. Especially the way she recalled, "Okay, you rascal." I don't know if she was directly involved in the murder, but, I can't shake a feeling that she knows a LOT more than she has admitted.

I've always wondered if Dick and Jean got into some sort of argument and it was witnessed by Dick's killer. He followed Jean's car, not Dick's. I could see this being a weird "nice guy" trying to "protect" Jean from Dick. It would account for why he only followed Jean and why he motioned to her car when confronted by Dick.

I've always wondered if Dick and Jean got into some sort of argument and it was witnessed by Dick's killer. He followed Jean's car, not Dick's. I could see this being a weird "nice guy" trying to "protect" Jean from Dick. It would account for why he only followed Jean and why he motioned to her car when confronted by Dick.

That's what I initially said as it's the only theory that makes sense. However on UM and Dates from Hell, she talks about what a good time they had and that she invited him back to her place. She could be lying of course.

I really wished someone from the restaurant was able to give an account on how they both were during dinner. I also wonder if anyone from the restaurant came forward and said they saw the culprit there

So, Dick’s truck was parked somewhere else from there where they had their actual date.

Has it been discussed whether Dick, while driving Jean's car to his pickup truck, may have unintentionally cut off the other driver?

If we are going to take Jean at her word here I have to admit I am very intrigued as to what was said to Dick when he confronts the man. Apparently he said something to him causing Dick to basically take a step back and say "What?" in a surprised sort of tone. Then he tells him to take a hike in some strong language and then gets shot. Oh to be a fly on the wall to know what was said.

But this case has always bothered me because there is simply no eyewitness accounts for anything. The whole story is solely based on Jean and her testimony.

So, Dick’s truck was parked somewhere else from there where they had their actual date.

Has it been discussed whether Dick, while driving Jean's car to his pickup truck, may have unintentionally cut off the other driver?

Dick and Jean went to dinner and parked outside of the restaurant. After dinner, they met up with friends at a bar/club and drove there together in Jean's car. Jean mentioned on her UM interview that when they drove back to get Dicks' truck how empty the streets were. Plus, the killer followed Jean's car and paid no attention to Dick when he got in his truck. I'm not even sure if Dick knew Jean was being followed by the guy during the whole freeway debacle.

I just saw this one mentioned in the "Most Disturbing Segments" thread that's gotten some traffic lately and it got me to thinking about it again. It's always been one of my favorites and has stuck with me for well over 20 years.

For those of you who think Dick's killer was a complete stranger, do you think he's had a past history of criminal behavior and/or continued to commit additional crimes?

The reason I ask is because it occurred to me that maybe he felt as though Dick might have been rapidly becoming a physical threat. He opted to shoot him because he was scared, not necessarily because he was "crazy" or primarily motivated by the event that prompted him to start following Jean in the first place. In other words, he assessed he bit off more than he felt he could chew with Dick and reacted by panicking. I realize Dick's killer was squarely behind the wheel of his own vehicle and could've easily just peeled off if he felt like Dick was going to reach into the driver's side, or pull open the door, but that wouldn't have prevented Dick from getting back into his truck and following him.

Dick was a physically imposing man by all accounts, and at least while he was drinking he did reportedly have at least one incident that involved him either yelling or punching a wall or something similar--the event that IIRC actually prompted him to go to rehab. I'm not claiming he was drinking that night, or absolutely freaked out on the guy--but I think it follows that Dick would've made for an objectively intimidating figure if he was angry.

Jean's account of the guy staring her down might not be entirely accurate. She was undoubtedly terrified, and many people in her situation report the sensation of "time slowing down" due to some effects of the sympathetic nervous system being activated. He left her there unharmed without even so much as speaking to her, even though she and/or her car was allegedly the impetus for the vehicle chase to begin with.

If this was indeed an instance of time in which someone panicked and overreacted by utilizing a firearm, Dick's killer may not even have a criminal history at all, either before or after the murder. Not only is this highly unsettling, it would probably greatly decrease the likelihood that he's ever going to be found.

If this was indeed an instance of time in which someone panicked and overreacted by utilizing a firearm, Dick's killer may not even have a criminal history at all, either before or after the murder. Not only is this highly unsettling, it would probably greatly decrease the likelihood that he's ever going to be found.

I believe the scenario you put out there is not only possible, but entirely probable. The one wrench in this scenario, is what exactly was he following Jean for? He seemed indifferent to Dick during the cat and mouse chase on the freeway. I really can't think of any reason, logical or illogical, why this guy would pull up behind Dick and Jean and then stalk/chase Jean on the freeway.

I believe the scenario you put out there is not only possible, but entirely probable. The one wrench in this scenario, is what exactly was he following Jean for? He seemed indifferent to Dick during the cat and mouse chase on the freeway. I really can't think of any reason, logical or illogical, why this guy would pull up behind Dick and Jean and then stalk/chase Jean on the freeway.

It seemed like Dick's killer was only focused on Jean. 1) he chased after her for the most part on the interstate. 2) he pointed at HER car as if he was obsessed with her (or angry with her). 3) he murdered Dick because he was jealous of him. 4) he did not kill Jean because he wanted her for himself, but after the suspect 'snapped' he had to get out of that city/state since he was now a wanted man.

I had a fellow undergraduate classmate in Oregon in 2003 who looked just like the composite. I even had to calculate this student's age (or estimate it). I kinda knew from the beginning that he was too young to be Dick's killer. And he was always nice. I had 1 class with him. I would jokingly say to myself in my head many times when entering that class - "Oh there's Dick Hansen's uncaught killer!"

I just saw this one mentioned in the "Most Disturbing Segments" thread that's gotten some traffic lately and it got me to thinking about it again. It's always been one of my favorites and has stuck with me for well over 20 years.

For those of you who think Dick's killer was a complete stranger, do you think he's had a past history of criminal behavior and/or continued to commit additional crimes?

The reason I ask is because it occurred to me that maybe he felt as though Dick might have been rapidly becoming a physical threat. He opted to shoot him because he was scared, not necessarily because he was "crazy" or primarily motivated by the event that prompted him to start following Jean in the first place. In other words, he assessed he bit off more than he felt he could chew with Dick and reacted by panicking. I realize Dick's killer was squarely behind the wheel of his own vehicle and could've easily just peeled off if he felt like Dick was going to reach into the driver's side, or pull open the door, but that wouldn't have prevented Dick from getting back into his truck and following him.

Dick was a physically imposing man by all accounts, and at least while he was drinking he did reportedly have at least one incident that involved him either yelling or punching a wall or something similar--the event that IIRC actually prompted him to go to rehab. I'm not claiming he was drinking that night, or absolutely freaked out on the guy--but I think it follows that Dick would've made for an objectively intimidating figure if he was angry.

Jean's account of the guy staring her down might not be entirely accurate. She was undoubtedly terrified, and many people in her situation report the sensation of "time slowing down" due to some effects of the sympathetic nervous system being activated. He left her there unharmed without even so much as speaking to her, even though she and/or her car was allegedly the impetus for the vehicle chase to begin with.

If this was indeed an instance of time in which someone panicked and overreacted by utilizing a firearm, Dick's killer may not even have a criminal history at all, either before or after the murder. Not only is this highly unsettling, it would probably greatly decrease the likelihood that he's ever going to be found.

This unsolved "road rage" murder case always reminded me of the David Hurley segment. Both unsolved, both murders, both perhaps road rage? David Hurley's case imo initially seemed like it was a crazy driver that purposely hit David's van just so he would pull over and then the killer shoots him. Seemed like some unknown, mysterious, evil traveler was driving through Dave's city and found the right time to kill. Yet, the segment always surprised me when it said the suspect is probably "local".

A local resident is not gonna plan to kill another local resident, rather they'd go elsewhere to kill. Which makes it seem like it was a local man who accidentally hit Dave or vice-versa and the killer did not have car insurance or more than likely expired tags! He gets pissed off due to a huge fine or jail, then murders Dave just to get away scott free. Perhaps Dick Hansen's suspect was local (and still is) but never 'took off' because he was afraid that "his sudden disappearance" at home or at work would make others suspect him...

This unsolved "road rage" murder case always reminded me of the David Hurley segment. Both unsolved, both murders, both perhaps road rage? David Hurley's case imo initially seemed like it was a crazy driver that purposely hit David's van just so he would pull over and then the killer shoots him. Seemed like some unknown, mysterious, evil traveler was driving through Dave's city and found the right time to kill. Yet, the segment always surprised me when it said the suspect is probably "local".

A local resident is not gonna plan to kill another local resident, rather they'd go elsewhere to kill. Which makes it seem like it was a local man who accidentally hit Dave or vice-versa and the killer did not have car insurance or more than likely expired tags! He gets pissed off due to a huge fine or jail, then murders Dave just to get away scott free. Perhaps Dick Hansen's suspect was local (and still is) but never 'took off' because he was afraid that "his sudden disappearance" at home or at work would make others suspect him...

I think you raise a lot of great points here. I think the notion that the killer was local is a very strong possibility. And just like in the Hurley case, you have a whole metro area to "be local" in--IIRC Hurley was in the Pittsburgh area and of course here with Hansen you're in the Bay/Santa Clara Valley.

As I wasn't taking much note of vehicles on the road in the early '90s, I'm wondering how much the killer's car would've stuck out seeing as it was almost 20 years old at the time.

Probably already been brought up but there's no such thing as a 1970 Pontiac GTO LeMans--the first few LeMans year models of the early '60s had an optional GTO package, but by 1970 the LeMans and GTO were separate models altogether. The picture shown during the segment showed a 1970 GTO. So I wonder which one it actually was and whether this has been an unfortunate obstacle in the investigation.

The one wrench in this scenario, is what exactly was he following Jean for? He seemed indifferent to Dick during the cat and mouse chase on the freeway. I really can't think of any reason, logical or illogical, why this guy would pull up behind Dick and Jean and then stalk/chase Jean on the freeway.

I don't understand it either, especially in light of the fact that he did absolutely NOTHING to her after murdering Dick. He could've just as easily forced her at gunpoint to do whatever he wanted, and she would've likely complied.

I've considered that maybe the killer thought Dick and Jean were actually parting ways for the night after Dick got in his truck in San Jose. But just like Jean said in her interview, it boggles the mind why he wouldn't just drive on after they exited the freeway and BOTH Dick and Jean stopped on the side of the road.

Could be kind of far-fetched, but if we assume there's something to the mistaken-for-Harris-Barton theory, what if the killer's vendetta actually had nothing to do with the division title loss, but something more puritanical?

What if the killer thought he was seeing Harris Barton out with somebody who wasn't his wife and didn't approve?

There's a lot of assumptions that have to be made on this one, admittedly. But it makes more sense than being angry over that game, IMO.

I wonder if it was a case of road rage? They had left the bar and probably had some drinks, so I wonder if Dick maybe cut the guy off without realizing it and thats why he parked behind them?

Perhaps the guy was trying to get their attention, but since they ignored him the first time he followed them. When they stopped after he followed them, and Dick approched his car, Jean said that the guy pointed at her, but perhaps he was pointing at the vehicle and was telling Dick about him possibly cutting him off and that's when Dick got angry?

Some people do not tolerate "disrespect" easy, and they can't let it go. Perhaps the guy felt like he was slated and when Dick got angry instead of apologizing he opened fire?

I wonder if it was a case of road rage? They had left the bar and probably had some drinks, so I wonder if Dick maybe cut the guy off without realizing it and thats why he parked behind them?

I don't think a road rage event is implausible at all, but the shooter clearly saw Dick get out of Jean's car and into his own vehicle, so why would he follow and taunt her rather than Dick?

Some people do not tolerate "disrespect" easy, and they can't let it go. Perhaps the guy felt like he was slated and when Dick got angry instead of apologizing he opened fire?

That's very true, and that could just as well be the reason for the shooting as any other given what we know.

The biggest mystery in this case, IMO, is why Jean was initially targeted by this guy and why was she ultimately left physically unharmed?

I don't think a road rage event is implausible at all, but the shooter clearly saw Dick get out of Jean's car and into his own vehicle, so why would he follow and taunt her rather than Dick?

The biggest mystery in this case, IMO, is why Jean was initially targeted by this guy and why was she ultimately left physically unharmed?

Yeah, I thought about that. This may be a long shot, but a theory I thought of was that maybe he wanted a motive to shoot Dick. As you said he saw Dick get out of Jean's vehicle and into his own, so he knew Dick was the driver. He possibly followed and taunted Jean because he knew Dick would try and save Jean. Perhaps he was hoping that Dick would try something on the highway so he had a reason to shoot but he never did.

It would be harder to call "self defense" if caught by police if he just followed and shot Dick. But if he followed Jean and had Dick try to protect her (which he did) then he can claim self defense. I also believe this is the reason Jean wasn't harmed despite him having ample time to do so. He just rolled out after shooting Dick, so it's likely Jean wasn't his target at all

I don't understand it either, especially in light of the fact that he did absolutely NOTHING to her after murdering Dick. He could've just as easily forced her at gunpoint to do whatever he wanted, and she would've likely complied.

I've considered that maybe the killer thought Dick and Jean were actually parting ways for the night after Dick got in his truck in San Jose. But just like Jean said in her interview, it boggles the mind why he wouldn't just drive on after they exited the freeway and BOTH Dick and Jean stopped on the side of the road.

Him driving away after shooting Dick lends credence to the he panicked and shot Dick with what in his mind constituted "self defense". And interestingly, according to articles written at the time of Dick's murder, after he was shot, Jean jumped back into her car and laid on the horn and he sped off immediately.

The license plate theory was the one favored on UM, but I don't know if the investigators took it very seriously. The mistaken for a football player theory paired with the license plate make some sense, but it wouldn't explain why the guy was fixated on Jean and not Dick. The only theory that makes some bit of sense is the blocked mailbox theory. Even in the re-enactment, Jean say something to the effect of, "should we pull up, maybe he needs to use the mailbox", but they just sit there for a few more minutes.

Him driving away after shooting Dick lends credence to the he panicked and shot Dick with what in his mind constituted "self defense". And interestingly, according to articles written at the time of Dick's murder, after he was shot, Jean jumped back into her car and laid on the horn and he sped off immediately.

The license plate theory was the one favored on UM, but I don't know if the investigators took it very seriously. The mistaken for a football player theory paired with the license plate make some sense, but it wouldn't explain why the guy was fixated on Jean and not Dick. The only theory that makes some bit of sense is the blocked mailbox theory. Even in the re-enactment, Jean say something to the effect of, "should we pull up, maybe he needs to use the mailbox", but they just sit there for a few more minutes.

My only issue with the mailbox theory is why didn't he just honk or move closer to signal that he needed to use it?

I think the fact that he suddenly pulled up behind them and then followed them, has me thinking that something happened earlier and he followed them

My only issue with the mailbox theory is why didn't he just honk or move closer to signal that he needed to use it?

I think the fact that he suddenly pulled up behind them and then followed them, has me thinking that something happened earlier and he followed them

I don't know how accurate "Dates From Hell" is, but in their re-enactment, they show the two of them sitting in Jean's car, and Jean says they were "listening to the music" and the re-enactment actors start kissing. Jean also remarked (in both UM and Dates From Hell) that the street was unusually empty and that Dick's truck was the only one on the street.

If I'm reading between the lines, I wonder if Dick and Jean were in the process of getting intimate when this guy pulled up (Jean does not specify the time between pulling up to Dick's truck and the killer pulling up behind them) and just sat there. That's when Jean throws out the offer to go back to her place.

Then they have the car chase and the actress says, "it's the guy from the restaurant" and they briefly show an actor who plays the killer for a brief scene when they first arrive at the restaurant in Dates From Hell. If this is true and not a completely made up dramatization, then this person did follow them.

Then they have the car chase and the actress says, "it's the guy from the restaurant" and they briefly show an actor who plays the killer for a brief scene when they first arrive at the restaurant in Dates From Hell. If this is true and not a completely made up dramatization, then this person did follow them.

See, this is where my confusion lies. Did Jean officially say she saw the guy in the restaurant or was it just made up for the dramatization?

I've been confused about this for a while

Good point! The guy who played Dick Hansen had a few clips from that show on his YT sight. I remember watching that new tv show, was interesting to finally have another true crime show on Dick Hansen besides the UM segment. "Jean" finally showed her face but had a long wig on, and as others said, her wig was messed up - not placed correctly on her head lol.

So in response to your comment - Jean participated in this show; so you would think she'd correct the show's Director if the stalker was not in the restaurant with them, right??!! And UM sometimes leaves true info out of the segment due to police or not enough time for tv (time constraints). Its more realistic if the stalker first ran into them in the bar/restaurant and talked to Dick.

I remember that either the stalker (or just a football fan in general in a separate scene) came up to Dick at the restaurant and gave him a hard time, joking around, thinking Dick was another famous local football player. And Dick got annoyed by this stranger because this has happened many times according to the tv show. Dick resembled another local football player either from college or the NFL. Yet, if Dick got angry with the "stalker" in the bar why did the killer get super offended and wait around? It was just some harmless fun? And on UM when Jean looked back inside her car at the killer - wouldn't she say - "hey that's the guy we ran into inside the restaurant?!"

See, this is where my confusion lies. Did Jean officially say she saw the guy in the restaurant or was it just made up for the dramatization?

I've been confused about this for a while

I don't know how accurate "Dates From Hell" is, but in their re-enactment, they show the two of them sitting in Jean's car, and Jean says they were "listening to the music" and the re-enactment actors start kissing. Jean also remarked (in both UM and Dates From Hell) that the street was unusually empty and that Dick's truck was the only one on the street.

If I'm reading between the lines, I wonder if Dick and Jean were in the process of getting intimate when this guy pulled up (Jean does not specify the time between pulling up to Dick's truck and the killer pulling up behind them) and just sat there. That's when Jean throws out the offer to go back to her place.

Then they have the car chase and the actress says, "it's the guy from the restaurant" and they briefly show an actor who plays the killer for a brief scene when they first arrive at the restaurant in Dates From Hell. If this is true and not a completely made up dramatization, then this person did follow them.

A) Too bad "Jean" doesnt have a Facebook page dedicated to Dick Hansen, where we could ask her about that very scene from Dates From Hell. If it happened or not. or B) Look up the director or the actor's info from that show via IMDB and contact them online.... or even C) email the producer and director from Unsolved Mysteries and tell them about the contradiction from "Jean" on UM and Dates from Hell.

Good point! The guy who played Dick Hansen had a few clips from that show on his YT sight. I remember watching that new tv show, was interesting to finally have another true crime show on Dick Hansen besides the UM segment. "Jean" finally showed her face but had a long wig on, and as others said, her wig was messed up - not placed correctly on her head lol.

So in response to your comment - Jean participated in this show; so you would think she'd correct the show's Director if the stalker was not in the restaurant with them, right??!! And UM sometimes leaves true info out of the segment due to police or not enough time for tv (time constraints). Its more realistic if the stalker first ran into them in the bar/restaurant and talked to Dick.

I remember that either the stalker (or just a football fan in general in a separate scene) came up to Dick at the restaurant and gave him a hard time, joking around, thinking Dick was another famous local football player. And Dick got annoyed by this stranger because this has happened many times according to the tv show. Dick resembled another local football player either from college or the NFL. Yet, if Dick got angry with the "stalker" in the bar why did the killer get super offended and wait around? It was just some harmless fun? And on UM when Jean looked back inside her car at the killer - wouldn't she say - "hey that's the guy we ran into inside the restaurant?!"

Thank you! You're correct. I just re-watched the Dates from Hell segment and she clearly says "it's the guy from the restaurant, I can't shake him". So UM did leave that part out...makes sense. Maybe L.E. didn't want the restaurant mentioned because if someone called and mentioned the restaurant sighting then it would more than likely be a valid tip as it wasn't mentioned in the segment.

So they were followed from the restaurant. It says it took them 30 minutes to get from the bar back to Dick's truck at the restaurant. I'm surprised they didn't notice him at all driving back to Dick's truck if he was following them

If this was indeed an instance of time in which someone panicked and overreacted by utilizing a firearm, Dick's killer may not even have a criminal history at all, either before or after the murder. Not only is this highly unsettling, it would probably greatly decrease the likelihood that he's ever going to be found.

I don't really buy this scenario. This was CA and some time ago, its all but assured he was carrying the firearm illegally in his vehicle to start with. ie. not an otherwise law abiding person.

Also he seemed to provoke the entire escapade by following them.

There are cases where I think self defense might account for what happened, but this isn't one of them.

Thank you! You're correct. I just re-watched the Dates from Hell segment and she clearly says "it's the guy from the restaurant, I can't shake him". So UM did leave that part out...makes sense. Maybe L.E. didn't want the restaurant mentioned because if someone called and mentioned the restaurant sighting then it would more than likely be a valid tip as it wasn't mentioned in the segment.

So they were followed from the restaurant. It says it took them 30 minutes to get from the bar back to Dick's truck at the restaurant. I'm surprised they didn't notice him at all driving back to Dick's truck if he was following them

Funny how in Unsolved Mysteries it seemed like it only took Dick and Jane minutes to get from the bar to the restaurant (or back to Dick's vehicle). But on Dates From Hell it said 30 minutes! Dang, a big difference time wise.

I don't really buy this scenario. This was CA and some time ago, its all but assured he was carrying the firearm illegally in his vehicle to start with. ie. not an otherwise law abiding person.

Also he seemed to provoke the entire escapade by following them.

There are cases where I think self defense might account for what happened, but this isn't one of them.

I guess I don't see illegally possessing or carrying the firearm as excluding a self-defense motive, but admittedly I'm from the South. I sometimes forget how strong other states' firearms were relative to ours when I consider these cases.

Not enough was looked into "Jean" in my opinion. Basically the entire segment is her testimony. That's all we have. We have to 100% believe what she says for that segment to be true. And I don't think it is. I think none of it had to do with 49ershugs licence plate. Nothing to do with football either. I think it was a guy who knew Jean and was stalking her. An ex maybe. Dick just got in the way. Who knows, maybe Dick threatened him with his life and the guy pulled out a gun and shot him. Then threatened Jean to keep her mouth shut, and she did. There is a lot more to Jean than we think I believe.

The license plate theory always felt lazy and it still bothers me because it has seemed to lead to many people accepting it as a likely motive for this murder, when in fact it really makes little sense:

1) sports related violence typically follows some sort of altercation. This was April and it wasn’t even football season, and according to Jean the suspect was unknown to both her and Dick. So obviously that didn’t happen, not that that precludes some sort of incident from occurring, but seems very unlikely that someone is going to tailgate somebody for 10 miles over a sports allegiance with no prior interaction taking place between the two parties.

2)this was in the Bay Area. Most people in the area were 49er fans, especially during this period when the Raiders were in Los Angeles. I would assume 49er gear was everywhere and the killer probably saw it daily. Why would an inoffensive vanity plate be the thing that sets him off?

3) it is said that the killer “gestured toward her license plate”. But what does this really mean? He was stopped behind her car. Short of hearing the shooter specifically reference the license plate I fail to see how you could know it was gesturing toward the plate as opposed to just gesturing toward Jean or her car in general.

4) Jean was the 49ers fan and the one with the plate. If he was enraged enough to kill over it, wouldn’t he shoot her also? As opposed to shooting the other guy and leaving her be?

Honestly that theory was such a red herring. I think it’s very likely it was a stalker or just a random nut who got a rise out of harassing them and only killed in the heat of confrontation with Dick. After all, he didn’t shoot until Dick came up and started swearing at him.

Not enough was looked into "Jean" in my opinion. Basically the entire segment is her testimony. ... There is a lot more to Jean than we think I believe.

IDK, people are crazy, but I would think she would just not do the show if there was something more nefarious going on. I think later on one of those ID killer shows revisited this case and she did that one too? I just think she would skip either of them if she had something to hide.

Honestly that theory was such a red herring. I think it’s very likely it was a stalker or just a random nut who got a rise out of harassing them and only killed in the heat of confrontation with Dick. After all, he didn’t shoot until Dick came up and started swearing at him.

Totally agree with all your points and would add that this is all based entirely on Jean's (and only her) testimony and the assumption she is being honest and forthcoming. The bottom line is that even if she was 100% truthful, she never heard the shooter say anything about a license plate, the 49ers or football in general, just a vague pointing in the general direction of the rear of her car.

I think Jean can be forgiven if she got some details wrong. She just saw her friend get shot in cold blood, and thought she was going to be killed next. She jumped into her car and starting blaring the horn, and IIRC a passing motorist stopped for help within seconds of Dick's murder. She had nothing to do with this.

IDK, people are crazy, but I would think she would just not do the show if there was something more nefarious going on. I think later on one of those ID killer shows revisited this case and she did that one too? I just think she would skip either of them if she had something to hide.

But if you are the one who sets the rules and whose testimony the case revolves around then you can direct it anyway you'd like to. She is the one who thought he pointed at her plate. That can lead people on a wild goose chase. She can control how things go being the eyewitness.

I think Jean can be forgiven if she got some details wrong. She just saw her friend get shot in cold blood, and thought she was going to be killed next. She jumped into her car and starting blaring the horn, and IIRC a passing motorist stopped for help within seconds of Dick's murder. She had nothing to do with this.

Maybe, maybe not. And not in a criminal way even if she did. But there could easily be more to the story that makes more sense. Another thing, while I know it was 1am, were there no witnesses to their erratic driving?