Michael “Mike” Miske, a prominent Hawaii crime boss, was found dead in federal custody, where he had been held since 2020. Authorities are investigating his death as a suicide, although it remains unclear if he was on suicide watch. Miske, 50, was awaiting sentencing in January 2025 after being convicted of orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of Jonathan Fraser, a 21-year-old friend of his late son, Caleb.
The Case of Jonathan Fraser
In November 2015, Fraser survived a car crash in which Caleb Miske, Michael’s son, sustained injuries that proved fatal months later. Prosecutors alleged that Michael Miske blamed Fraser for his son’s death and sought revenge. In July 2016, Fraser disappeared, and his remains have not been recovered more than eight years later.
Prosecutors painted Miske as the mastermind behind the scheme. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Miske ordered the purchase of a white van and a $425,000 Boston Whaler boat to carry out and conceal the crime.
Charges Against Miske
Miske faced a litany of charges, including:
- Racketeering Conspiracy
- Murder in Aid of Racketeering
- Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering
- Kidnapping Resulting in Death
- Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy
- Conspiracy to Commit Assaults in Aid of Racketeering
- Conspiracy to Use a Chemical Weapon
- Obstruction of Justice
The charges stemmed from multiple criminal activities linked to Miske’s organized crime operations in Honolulu.
Witness Testimony and Evidence
Fraser’s girlfriend, Ashley Wong, testified during the trial, recounting her suspicions on the day Fraser disappeared. Wong stated she was offered a spa trip on the day Fraser was believed to have been abducted. When she couldn’t reach Fraser, she visited Miske’s home, where she noticed the lights were off. Wong called Miske, who claimed Fraser was at home, but she did not believe him.
Fraser’s car, a 1994 gray Honda hatchback, was discovered abandoned two weeks after his disappearance.
A Family’s Loss
Fraser’s family and loved ones have spent years seeking justice. In 2018, the FBI acknowledged foul play in Fraser’s disappearance. Fraser’s father, William, said he had a gut feeling something was wrong just days after his son went missing.
Fraser’s mother described the conviction as “justice for her son.” Wong, who referred to Fraser as her “superhero,” praised the verdict, saying it ensures families in Hawaii can feel safer.
A Rare Death in Custody
Miske’s death in custody has raised questions. Alexander Silvert, a former federal public defender, noted that inmate suicides in federal facilities are uncommon due to strict monitoring protocols, including trained guards and extensive surveillance systems.
Miske’s sentencing was set for January 2025, with potential life imprisonment for charges including racketeering conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering. His death leaves lingering questions for Fraser’s family and others affected by his criminal activities.
The case underscores the lasting impact of organized crime and the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims and their families.
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