Lisa Gay Reimer:1980, Indianapolis, Indiana

   

Lisa Reimer in 1976.

   Lisa Reimer was born on April 19th 1960 to Barbara and Frank Reimer. 

  She was a graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis. 

  On the 4th of October in 1980, Lisa Reimer was riding on the back of her boyfriend’s motorcycle. Richard W. Pothast, who went by the name Mike, and Lisa were, sadly, coming home from the funeral of another friend. They were joined by other members of their motorcycle club, The Sons of Silence.

   As they approached a ramp on the south side of town on I-465; someone shot Lisa in the head.  Richard struggled to stop the bike while trying to keep Lisa from falling off. She died from the gunshot wound to her head and neck. 

   Pothast also suffered gunshot wounds. He spoke to reporters and said that it seemed like the gunshots were coming from a car passing by them on 465.

   The Sons of Silence and The Outlaws were feuding at the time. State Police had attended the funeral hoping to deter an attack by The Outlaws. The funeral was quiet. Later, on the way home; an attack came. 

   It certainly appears that members of The Outlaws shot at Richard Pothast because he was a Sons of Silence member. They shot and killed Lisa Reimer as well. Did they feel any remorse? Probably not but who knows?

  The two gangs had been feuding for a few years in Indianapolis. You’re probably wondering about the funeral that Richard “Mike” Pothast and Lisa Reimer attended on the day that Lisa was murdered. 

  Charles Gordon “Gordy” Hester was 28 when he lost control of his motorcycle on October 2nd 1980 at approximately 3 a.m. and passed away from multiple injuries. 

   Why would the Outlaws want to lash out at this funeral? It’s hard to say but the two Indianapolis gangs had been feuding for awhile and perhaps they wanted to kick their enemy when they were down. It’s all so senseless. 

   Back in March 1980, the Outlaws had lost a member when their clubhouse was hit with a barrage of gunfire. 

      Thomas W. “Satan” Reeves, 38, was killed in the melee. His funeral made the papers as 200 members of the gang from many states converged on Indianapolis for the burial. How sad it all is.  What is the point?

  The Outlaws had other trouble that year as well. Several members had been accused of gang raping a 16 year old girl. As part of a plea agreement in late November they avoided jail time by agreeing to sell the clubhouse and disband. 

   Can you imagine being that 16 year old and seeing these men go free? What if they decided to silence you once and for all? 

   

   Lisa’s boyfriend did not live much longer than she did, unfortunately. Richard W. “Mike” Pothast died in September of 1983 in a motorcycle accident. As he was riding at night a car struck him from behind. He had devastating head injuries, a lacerated liver and spleen and multiple broken bones. Helmets were not required by law or considered cool to wear then. Perhaps a helmet could have saved him but perhaps not. A lacerated liver and spleen will cause massive internal bleeding. On his death certificate Richard’s occupation was listed as “Decorator” for the George Fern Co.  

They had contracts with sports stadiums and other facilities to put up and take down the signs and promotions for different events. 

 

I have to say it’s just sad all around. There was just so much senseless violence. What was it for?  Lisa Reimer was only 20. Who knew what her future might have held. 

Rest in Peace Lisa.