Residents react to latest Hoffa search: ‘You’re not finding him’
Imagine if the diggers really do find Jimmy Hoffa.
That’s a mental leap some Michigan residents are not quite ready to make, as the Federal Bureau of Investigation goes back to digging on the second day of its search for former Teamsters boss Hoffa, who became labor’s version of Amelia Earhart when he disappeared in 1975.
“You’re not finding him,” one resident tweeted a video of himself saying, as the latest dig site at an Oakland Township field north of Detroit has attracted an array of onlookers and TV crews checking out the search.
Los Angeles Times readers agree: 93% of poll respondents for Monday’s story about the never-ending search for Hoffa think the newest search will be similarly fruitless.
Everyone could be wrong, of course, and the discovery of Hoffa’s body -- it’s always been assumed he was killed -- would prove a huge story and provide presumably a few more answers for one of America’s most enduring mysteries: Who killed Jimmy Hoffa?
Previous searches over the years have included a sanitation company, landfills, construction projects, a horse barn, a swimming pool and a driveway.
The latest dig appears to be prompted by the statements of former Hoffa associate Anthony Zerilli, 85, who says Hoffa was buried in the field beneath the concrete slabs for a barn that has since been torn down.
Zerilli, who says he was not involved in Hoffa’s death, is selling his story of the slaying for $4.99 if you download a digital copy from his website, Hoffafound.com.
All of the hubbub -- plus the legacy of a man whose perpertual nonappearance has entwined his name with wisecracks of the Loch Ness variety -- has again proved a little rich for Michigan residents who have seen these kinds of searches before.
Here’s a sample of some of the local attitudes:
Tired of this Jimmy Hoffa stuff by my house https://t.co/hp3XOnlysq— Tommy Moeller (@MrTMoeller) June 18, 2013
SEARCH FOR HOFFA’S BONES TURNS UP BIG LEAD! Concrete slabs! Well, kinda slow news day. https://t.co/OoETOZnjsw— Kevin Metheny (@kevinmetheny) June 18, 2013
I hope they find Hoffa’s remains, but deep down I truly think they never will.— Kimberly Murdoch (@kimberlymurd) June 18, 2013
The money they spend on looking for Jimmy Hoffa is ridiculous. I don’t care if they find him. Waste of time to me. Good use of our FBI.— Logan (@phatnasty33) June 18, 2013
IMAGE: Machinery continues digging up field looking for #Hoffa remains. pic.twitter.com/Mx2d6L0dFa— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) June 18, 2013
I’ve made my share of Hoffa jokes. But I have to say I really feel for his family. I hope his body is found for their sake.— Karen (@KPA2) June 18, 2013
Hurry and order a copy of the true story of Hoffa’s disappearance before FBI finishes digging and shows it’s false: https://t.co/tLWZdkEJqa— Nick Bunkley (@nickbunkley) June 18, 2013
Satellite city #hoffa pic.twitter.com/29XLbOZWVU— Ryan (@RyanErmanniFox2) June 18, 2013
Really hope I get to add “Jimmy Hoffa’s body was found a block from my house” to my 2 Truths and a Lie’ repertoire.— Matt Kline (@KillerOrange) June 18, 2013
Really Michigan? We aren’t going to find Hoffa. Let’s stop tearing apart macomb county #michiganproblems— Lisa Ann (@lisaann079) June 18, 2013
I’m fascinated by Jimmy Hoffa and all that historical mob stuff. But at this point, do we really need to find him? He’s not a dinosaur.— Ross Maghielse (@Maghielse) June 18, 2013
Jimmy Hoffa will still be dead whether he’s found or not, so why keep at it? Because it’s still a murder investigation, and we’re obligated.— Neal Rubin (@nealrubin_dn) June 18, 2013
I’m confused? Why are we still looking for Jimmy Hoffa? Couldn’t we use the money for other things.. especially in Detroit? #FinancialCrisis— Maaya Hitomi (@MaayaHitomi) June 18, 2013
Remember to call the gas company before digging for Hoffa in your backyard.— Joel Lugar (@joellugar) June 18, 2013
You know what would be great? If they found Jimmy Hoffa on my little brother’s birthday. I don’t know why, but it would be great.— Peg Pasternak (@PegPnak) June 18, 2013
Looking for Hoffa right down the street from where I grew up. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve been through that property as a kid.— Ryan Harp (@b00st_Sec) June 18, 2013
ALSO:
Tombstone shaves years off age of late N.Y. Mayor Ed Koch
Court upholds Arizona law that denies bail to certain immigrants
Whitey Bulger trial: Former hit man describes more killings to jury
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
