The Murder of Bruiser Brody

The Backroom

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On July 17, 1988, Frank Goodish, known as Brusier Brody to many, was stabbed by fellow wrestler Jose Gonzalez in a locker room shower at a show in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Brody lay bleeding on the shower floor for a whole thirty minutes before paramedics arrived. Wrestler Tony Atlas had to help carry Brody to the ambulance because Brody, who stood at 6 feet 8 inches and weighed 300 pounds, was too big for paramedics to lift alone. Bruiser Brody died a few hours later from his injuries. He was 42. The reason as to why Gonzalez killed Brody is still unknown. The three main theories are: 1) There was an argument over money, 2) There was an argument over a match finish and 3) There was a decade long grudge Gonzalez held over Brody. Either way, the locker room was full of people when Gonzalez asked to speak to Brody privately in the showers, yet none of them saw anything. Jose Gonzalez was tried and acquitted of murder in 1989. He continued to wrestle until 2014. The only one who was willing to testify was Tony Atlas. He was in contact with authorities in Puerto Rico and was told a subpoena would be sent to him by mail. The subpoena, dated January 3rd, wasn't sent until January 13th. The letter wasn't received by Atlas until January 24th, a whole day after the trial had started and a verdict was reached. Atlas believes that the fix was in.