Decades-Old Cold Case Solved: Solomon Hall Convicted in 2004 Murder of Michael Randolph Jr.

Photo Courtesy of FDLE

News Brief: Cold Case Closure & Lingering Questions

• Solomon "John" Hall convicted in 2004 murder of Michael Randolph Jr.
• Randolph Jr. vanished in 2004, never reported missing, death rumored for years.
• Breakthrough came in 2017 drug investigation.
• Randolph's remains still missing; family seeks proper burial.
• Anyone with information urged to contact Detective Joe Barrera.

---

Justice Delayed, But Not Denied: Conviction in 20-Year-Old Michael Randolph Jr. Murder Case

Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)

Published June 5th, 2025

_____

Chiefland, FL – June 5, 2025 – After two decades shrouded in mystery and whispered rumors, a cold case has finally reached a significant milestone in Chiefland. Solomon "John" Hall has been convicted in the 2004 murder of Michael Randolph Jr. – a man who simply vanished, never to be officially reported missing. It’s a testament to unwavering detective work that a measure of justice has now arrived for a family desperate for answers.

Michael Randolph Jr. had a history with law enforcement, mainly on drug charges, and disappeared from the Chiefland area sometime in 2004. For years, the prevailing thought was that he had simply moved on. But among those in the illegal drug community, a darker story circulated: many believed Solomon Hall was responsible for his death. Yet, there was no proof, no body, and no official missing person report to launch a formal investigation.

Then, in July 2017, everything changed. Detectives, working on an entirely separate drug case, stumbled upon a piece of evidence that suddenly gave chilling credibility to those long-held rumors. This wasn't just a hunch anymore; it sparked a full-scale murder investigation, meticulously piecing together Michael Randolph Jr.'s last known activities. They discovered he stopped collecting his state disability payments in May 2004, and his bank account went silent. No one interviewed had seen him in years.

Information began to surface, suggesting Hall was not only responsible for Michael's death but also for making his remains disappear. Levy County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) Detectives teamed up with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) – a powerful alliance to tackle this incredibly cold case. Acting on crucial tips, search warrants were obtained, and teams began digging in various locations south of Chiefland. They hoped to bring Michael home, but heartbreakingly, all efforts to find his remains were fruitless.

Still, the case pressed on. By December 2019, enough evidence had been painstakingly gathered to present to a Grand Jury, who returned a "TRUE BILL," officially indicting Solomon Hall for murder. Hall, already serving a sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) for unrelated drug convictions, was then arrested for this shocking cold case.

The long journey to justice culminated in the 8th Judicial Circuit in May 2025. Solomon Hall accepted a plea agreement, adding an additional 15 years to his DOC sentence, officially making him a convicted murderer.

However, a painful chapter remains open. Hall has never disclosed where Michael Randolph Jr.'s remains can be found. For Michael's family, the desire to provide him with a proper burial is paramount, and this part of the case continues.

If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, regarding the location of Michael Randolph Jr.'s remains, please, contact Detective Joe Barrera at 352-486-5111. Every lead could bring peace to a family who has waited two decades for closure.

______

Shop our iSkyShop for exclusive Clothing, Tumblers, and more.

© 2025 iSkyNews.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited.

_____

SEO Title: Decades-Old Cold Case Solved: Solomon Hall Convicted in 2004 Murder of Michael Randolph Jr.

Keywords: Michael Randolph Jr., Solomon Hall, Cold Case, Murder Conviction, Chiefland FL, 2004 Murder, Missing Persons, Levy County Sheriff, FDLE, ATF, Unsolved Murder, Justice Served, Remains Missing