Murder at My-An-Dot Motel: A Tragic 1975 Crime Unfolds

A tragic incident at the My-An-Dot Motel in Fairfield, California, on July 17, 1975, resulted in the murder of Staff Sgt. Luis Jose Gonzalez shortly after his return from South Korea. Gonzalez was found shot in the head inside the bathroom of a motel room, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

The My-An-Dot Motel, owned by local couple Myron and Dorothy Ulshoffer, served as a popular lodging option for travelers on what was then Highway 40. It gained notoriety as a discreet meeting place, often referred to as the local “no-tell motel.” Gonzalez, who was not registered at the My-An-Dot, had been staying at a different hotel nearby. Authorities discovered that he was fully clothed and had no signs of struggle, with his wallet containing approximately $30 (about $185 in 2025) still with him, suggesting robbery was not the motive.

In the aftermath of the murder, police identified three suspects who had recently checked into the room where Gonzalez was found. Within weeks, officers apprehended Anthony Lee Sam, a 22-year-old from Suisun City, and Pamela Nadine Miller, a 19-year-old from Concord, who turned herself in. The alleged shooter, Ernest Michael Haywood, also 19 and from Compton, was indicted on charges of murder and robbery. The grand jury noted the special circumstances of the crime, which could have made Haywood eligible for the death penalty.

Miller ultimately agreed to testify against both Haywood and Sam in exchange for a plea deal that reduced her charges to being an accessory after the fact. This allowed her to plead guilty with a maximum penalty of one to five years in prison. During Haywood’s trial in November 1975, Miller testified that she had lured Gonzalez to the motel to facilitate the robbery, claiming they had stolen his watch.

Haywood took the stand in his defense, admitting that he was aware of the plan but insisted he never intended to participate. However, under cross-examination, he acknowledged lending Sam money for the motel room. The prosecution emphasized the gravity of the situation, juxtaposing a photograph of Gonzalez against the young defendant, urging jurors to remember the victim’s life cut short.

Ultimately, Haywood was found guilty. His attorney argued for a juvenile sentence, but the judge denied the motion. In a dramatic moment, Haywood attempted to leave the courtroom before being restrained by bailiffs. He received a state prison sentence, although the charges that could have led to the death penalty were dropped.

Sam’s trial began in February 1976 but ended in two mistrials. Facing the prospect of a historic third trial, he pleaded guilty to being an accessory to the crime. Sam was sentenced to five years’ probation, fined $5,000 (approximately $29,000 in 2025), and ordered to pay an additional $5,000 to the county in attorney fees.

Gonzalez, who was divorced, left behind a nine-year-old daughter. In 1977, the My-An-Dot Motel was demolished, and Green Valley Ford was constructed on the site, marking the end of an era for the establishment that once served as a backdrop to this tragic event.

Fairfield freelance historian Tony Wade, who has authored six books, continues to document the area’s history. For more information, Wade can be reached at [email protected].