Michael Charles Richard, 46, was found shot to death inside his vehicle at a long-abandoned motel on the outskirts of Bessemer, Alabama, on December 30, 2021. The body was discovered at the old Knights Inn, a derelict property Richard reportedly visited as an urban explorer and documented on social media.

A resident of nearby Hoover, Richard is remembered by friends and family as compassionate and adventurous, with a sizable online following for his explorations of forgotten buildings. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and as of this writing no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama has offered a reward and law enforcement has asked the public for help.

Does anyone who visited the old Knights Inn around late December 2021 or who knew Michael’s exploration routes have information that could help investigators?