The Michael Goodwin Mystery: Which Prominent Figure Is Still Alive And Active In 2025?

The question "Is Michael Goodwin still alive?" has become a surprisingly complex and highly searched query in late 2024 and early 2025, largely due to the fact that the name is shared by several high-profile individuals, including a very active, prominent journalist and a notorious figure from a decades-old murder case. As of today, December 13, 2025, the answer is a definitive "Yes," but it depends entirely on which Michael Goodwin you are asking about. The most famous Michael Goodwin—the influential chief political columnist for the *New York Post*—is not only alive but continues to publish fresh, hard-hitting analysis several times a week, a clear sign of his current and active status in the media landscape. However, the search query is also fueled by recent obituaries and the enduring notoriety of a convicted killer with the same name.

The ambiguity surrounding the name “Michael Goodwin” highlights a common online phenomenon where multiple public figures share an identity, leading to confusion and viral search curiosity. To provide a clear answer, we must examine the three primary individuals associated with this name: the celebrated columnist, the infamous killer, and the recently departed.

The Chief Political Columnist: Michael Goodwin (New York Post)

The most likely subject of the search query for those interested in current affairs and political commentary is Michael Goodwin, the Chief Political Columnist for the *New York Post* and a frequent contributor to Fox News and Fox Business. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist whose career spans decades, covering New York City politics and national issues with a distinct, often conservative, viewpoint. His continued publication schedule is the strongest evidence of his active status.

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• Full Name: Michael Goodwin
• Primary Role: Chief Political Columnist, *New York Post*
• Career Highlights: Pulitzer Prize winner (as part of a team at the *New York Times*), worked for the *New York Times*, the *Daily News*, and the *New York Post*.
• Current Status (2025): Alive and highly active. He consistently publishes new columns, with his work appearing in the *Post* multiple times per week, covering topics from presidential politics to New York's mayoral race and current events.
• Current Affiliations: *New York Post*, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network.
• Education: Holds a B.A. in English.

Goodwin’s columns are a staple of political discourse, often generating significant debate and media attention. For instance, his recent commentary on the ongoing political dynamics between Governor Kathy Hochul and potential challengers, or his analysis of the current presidential election cycle, confirms his continuous and influential role in American journalism. His byline appears regularly, providing a constant, updated confirmation of his well-being and professional activity.

The Incarcerated Figure: Michael ‘Mike’ Goodwin (Convicted Murderer)

Another major reason for the high search volume is the enduring notoriety of a different Michael Goodwin, often referred to as Mike Goodwin, who was convicted for the infamous 1988 murder of racing legend Mickey Thompson and his wife, Trudy Thompson, in their California home. This sensational case was recently brought back into the public eye through true crime documentaries and streaming features, reigniting curiosity about the perpetrator's fate.

• Full Name: Michael 'Mike' Goodwin
• Crime: Convicted of the 1988 murders of Mickey Thompson and Trudy Thompson.
• Motive: Believed to be a long-standing business grudge. Goodwin was a former business associate of Thompson.
• Trial and Conviction: The case went unsolved for years, but Goodwin was eventually convicted in 2007.
• Sentence: Serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
• Current Status (2025): Alive and incarcerated. He is currently serving his life sentence at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California.

The Thompson murder case captivated the nation, and the eventual conviction of Mike Goodwin nearly two decades later ensured his name would remain in the public consciousness. His status as a convicted killer ensures that he is a major entity the public searches for when asking about a "Michael Goodwin" who might be deceased or in hiding. The definitive answer is that he remains alive but will spend the rest of his life in prison.

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Recent Obituaries: The Other Michael Goodwins

A third contributing factor to the confusion is the unfortunate fact that several men named Michael Goodwin have passed away in recent years, leading to a constant stream of obituaries that can trigger the search query. The most recent confirmed death notices include:

• Michael Burton Goodwin: Passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the age of 81.
• Michael G. 'Mike' Goodwin: Passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, November 9, 2023, at the age of 70.
• Michael Goodwin: Passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2014, in Winsted, Connecticut, at the age of 42.
• Other Recent Notices: There have also been death notices for individuals named Michael Goodwin with reported passing dates in 2025, which, while sometimes placeholders or future dates in search results, contribute to the perception of a recent passing.

The sheer number of obituaries for men sharing this common name creates a digital trail that frequently suggests a "Michael Goodwin" has recently died, which is a major driver of the search query. This phenomenon of "name ambiguity" is a key reason why the simple question "is Michael Goodwin still alive" requires a multi-faceted answer.

Topical Authority: The Enduring Legacy of the Michael Goodwin Name

The name Michael Goodwin is tied to several significant areas of public interest, demonstrating a surprising range of topical authority:

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Journalism and Political Commentary

The *New York Post* columnist is a central figure in modern conservative media. His work frequently touches upon key political entities and topics, including:

• The New York City Mayoral Race
• New York State Politics (e.g., Andrew Cuomo, Kathy Hochul)
• National Presidential Politics
• Fox News and Fox Business Commentary
• The Pulitzer Prize
• Investigative Journalism

True Crime and Legal History

The Mike Goodwin connected to the Thompson murders is a pivotal figure in a major American true crime case, linking the name to:

• Mickey Thompson and Trudy Thompson (Victims)
• Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility (Incarceration Location)
• The California Department of Corrections
• The Orange County District Attorney's Office
• Motocross and Racing History (Thompson's background)

The Verdict: Which Michael Goodwin Is Alive?

For those concerned about the influential New York journalist, the answer is a resounding Yes, Michael Goodwin of the *New York Post* is alive and working. His continued, prolific output of columns is the strongest evidence of his current status. For those interested in the true crime story, Mike Goodwin, the convicted killer, is also alive but remains incarcerated, serving a life sentence. The search query is a fascinating case study in how a common name can lead to a convergence of distinct, high-profile public figures, making a simple yes-or-no question impossible to answer without context.