Sacramento computer store owner and first Unabomber fatality
Profile
Hugh Campbell Scrutton was a 38-year-old entrepreneur who owned and operated RenTech Computer Rentals, a computer rental and sales business in the Century Plaza shopping center on Howe Avenue in Sacramento, California. Friends and colleagues remembered him as a man who embraced life fully — a gentle soul with a sharp sense of humor who had traveled the world, climbed mountains, and studied languages [1].
In business, Scrutton was known for his integrity and kindness. A former employee recalled that "Hugh was the best boss I ever had" and described him as "straightforward, honest, and sincere." He cared deeply about politics and the community around him. He left behind his mother, a sister, a girlfriend who loved him dearly, and a wide circle of friends and colleagues who respected him
On December 11, 1985, Scrutton walked into the parking lot behind his computer store and noticed what appeared to be a piece of road debris or trash. When he bent down to pick it up, the disguised bomb exploded, killing him almost instantly. He became the first person to die in the Unabomber's campaign of terror, which had begun in 1978 but had previously resulted only in injuries [1].
The bombing was particularly cruel in its randomness. Investigators later determined that Scrutton was not specifically targeted — the bomb was placed behind the store and designed to kill whoever picked it up. Ted Kaczynski had transported the device from his Montana cabin to Sacramento and left it in the parking lot [3]. Kaczynski was indicted for Scrutton's murder in June 1996 and pleaded guilty in January 1998 [4].
No media appearances recorded yet.
