[6] In May 1974, he was arrested for and charged with the 1973 murder of a reputed police drug informant who had been killed over a botched drug deal. Drugs were regularly dealt from the residence at 8763 Wonderland Avenue in the Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles. [1] She graduated magna cum laude from Wheaton College in 1971, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology.[2]. She seems like a real person, and you wonder how she was dragged into a situation -- and a movie -- like this. [5] Another officer commented, upon hearing of Launius' death, "I suppose they won't need many pall bearers". Drug gang in Los Angeles (1970's & 1980's), Not to be confused with the Wonderland Club, an online child pornography ring busted by, Cass Paley, quotation in the director's cut of. Today, Thorson is the last person alive with firsthand knowledge of the notorious massacre, at least among those who are willing to admit to it. Barbara Flavin was born in Gardner, Massachusetts, March 25, 1949, the daughter of Evelyn Mary (ne Kaplan) and John Francis Flavin. But I think they deserve closure. Well it's only the beginning baby L.A. in the summer anything could happen right. [20], In 1990, Nash was charged in California state court with having planned the murders, and Diles was charged with participating in the murders, but both men were acquitted in 1991. The killings. [3][4], Ronald Lee Launius [5] was a United States Air Force veteran of the Vietnam era, who had been dishonorably discharged and convicted of smuggling heroin from Vietnam back to the United States in the coffins of American service members. Holmes takes the guns to Nash, but Nash says the guns are too rare to be sold, as they would be recognized right away and everyone involved would be apprehended. Best Match Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE 70s Barbara K Richardson Dalzell, SC View Full Report Addresses Brabham Dr, Dalzell, SC Bethel Church Rd, Sumter, SC Susan A. Murphy Launius, 30, while not an official member of the gang, was married to gang member Ron Launius and had a drug habit. When asked to elaborate, the policeman explained: "A trash can only has two handles". Played by Val Kilmer as a manic, self-pitying, self-destructive charmer next to whom Mr. Kilmer's Jim Morrison in ''The Doors'' looks like a church deacon, Holmes is a stud who has long since gone to seed. Around 3:00 a.m. on July 1, 1981, two days after the robbery, an unknown number of unidentified men entered the Wonderland Avenue townhouse and bludgeoned to death Launius, DeVerell, Miller, and Barbara Richardson (Lind's girlfriend who had been visiting). Barbara Lee "Butterfly" Easton Richardson (17 October 1958-1 July 1981) was an associate of the Wonderland Gang, the girlfriend of David Lind, and a victim of the Wonderland murders. Hes plotting his return to L.A., where he plans to finish his second book and then wait for a call from Matt Damon, who he hopes will reprise his role as him in some future Hollywood adaptation of his exploits. The weapons used by the killers were believed to be a combination of hammers and metal pipes. [10], Joy Audrey Gold Miller was Billy DeVerell's girlfriend and the leaseholder of the Wonderland townhouse. Gregory Diles would die in 1997. Tracy Raymond McCourt was the driver of the stolen 1975 Ford Granada that carried the Wonderland Gang to Eddie Nash's home on the night of the robbery. She tells them (in a near comatose state) that she does not remember anything, only shadows. He is buried at Santa Rosa Memorial Park in, Tracy McCourt died of unspecified causes on October 18, 2006, aged 57. Holmes was acquitted in June 1982, after a three-week trial. Launius and Susan Murphy, were married in Carson City, Nevada on April 16, 1971. And so there is this sense that no one was innocent in this crime., At the same time, Thorson, who is familiar with the struggle of addiction, points out that even a houseful of drug dealers deserves justice. She claimed that John told her that he witnessed the murders after leading the apparent assailants inside the house and watched the murders occur. He hears of his friends' murders at Wonderland and soon discovers his girlfriend was there. He spent considerable time in the Colorado prison system, but when he was free he operated a successful mobile phone franchise. The police investigation that followed uncovered two versions of the events leading up to the brutal murders - both involving legendary porn actor John Holmes. He spent much of the last seven years there since a 2014 sentencing for credit card fraud and identity theft, actions driven by his longtime drug addiction. As a result, she suffered permanent amnesia and had a part of her skull and portions of a finger surgically removed. Mr. Nash was believed to have figured out Mr. Holmes's role, forced him to reveal the robbers' identities and help in the killings. It has nonstop drug use, frequent violence and some sex, though not as much as its main character's profession might lead one to expect. Reportedly, at the time of his death, police investigators throughout California, largely in the Sacramento area, had 27 open homicide cases they believed were perpetrated by Launius. Wonderland (2003) Natasha Gregson Wagner as Barbara Richardson. Diles soon tracked down Holmes and brought him back to the home for questioning. [citation needed], Although the Wonderland Gang was mainly known for its drug sales, which concentrated on cocaine and the occasional heroin deal, the gang also gained revenues through burglaries and armed robberies of rival drug dealers. Aside from their drug dealings, some of the occupants were known for committing robberies and burglaries throughout Los Angeles. Miller had two adult daughters and was the ex-wife of a Beverly Hills attorney. As First Lady of New Mexico, she formed the New Mexico Immunizations Coalition in April 2003. It appeared to have been an interrogation of some kind, which may have lead to Holmes identifying some personal associates of his who were targeting Nash. . https://allthatsinteresting.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wonderland-avenue-house.jpg. Lind accidentally fires his gun, wounding Nash's bodyguard, Greg Diles. The three were tried on slaying charges and ultimately acquitted in state court trials, the last of which was in 1991. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. It's a pleasure to be here this morning to take your questions and comments about. | The Wonderland Case, Explained O n July 1, 1981, four people were found murdered inside a Los Angeles home in a sensational case combining "dope, porn, sex and drugs and organized crime," as a retired LAPD detective once told The New York Times. Thorson claimed to have witnessed Nash order Diles to beat Holmes, and said Nash threatened to kill Holmes and his family, until Holmes identified the people behind the robbery. Holmes volunteers to draw them a map to plan the robbery, since he has visited Nash's house frequently. In the years following the Wonderland murders, McCourt was reported to have moved to Colorado. On June 29, 1981, the Wonderland Gang, comprising Ron Launius, Billy DeVerell, David Lind, Tracy McCourt,[13] and their associate, John Holmes, conspired to launch a home invasion and robbery upon Eddie Nash, a reputedly powerful organized crime figure who usually referred to himself in the third person as "The Nash". The objective of the robbery was to steal a hoard of cash, heroin, and cocaine that Holmes claimed was in a safe embedded in Nash's bedroom floor, as well as to retrieve some antique guns the Wonderland Gang had stolen from another businessman and then subsequently, using Holmes as an intermediary, sold to Nash in exchange for drugs. Just days after the attack, the Los Angeles Police Department investigated the murders and searched the house for evidence. [17], Around 3:00 AM, on July 1, two days after the Nash robbery, it is believed Holmes, Diles, and a number of unidentified men entered the Wonderland house and bludgeoned to death Launius, DeVerell, Miller, and Richardson; the weapons were believed to be either hammers or striated metal pipes. According to our Database, He has no children. Numerous television shows have covered the Wonderland murders, such as: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He said hed have them all on their knees, teach them a lesson, and that theyd never steal from him again, Thorson said on the stand. [citation needed], Launius was known for remaining composed under pressure. Source: [https://allthatsinteresting.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/wonderland-avenue-house.jpg]. In the early morning hours of July 1, 1981 an unknown number of male assailants had entered the home. (Holmes, who had starred in hundreds of films by that time, is the subject of a 1989 Rolling Stone feature by Mike Sager about his involvement in these events, The Devil and John Holmes.) Nash asked me to step out of his bedroom, Thorson says. All the other characters in in the movie are psychologically transparent: they are addicts and criminals motivated by need, greed and revenge, but Ms. Kudrow, looking sorrowful and severe, remains tantalizingly opaque. While it is unclear of any paranormal activity happening at the site of one of the most gruesome homicides in Los Angeles history, some have told stories of the possibility of John Holmess ghost still hanging around the house. When he learns that Holmes knows notorious gangster Eddie Nash, he gives Holmes a pair of stolen antique guns to take to Nash, so that Nash can fence them and the Wonderland Gang can split the loot. Barbara D Richardson, 87 Resides in Burlington, NC Lived In Greensboro NC, Roxboro NC, Yanceyville NC, Danville VA Related To Brittainy Richardson, Bridgett Richardson, Darlean Richardson, Thedore Richardson Also known as Borbara J Richardson, B J Richardson, B Barbara Includes Address (17) Phone (6) Email (1) See Results Barbara A Richardson, 85 Instead he treats the episode as a chance to show off his mastery of fast-cutting, atmospheric style, which is impressive, but also a little annoying. Accounts vary as to how and why Holmes arrived there; according to some sources, Holmes went there himself to try to make himself appear innocent,[16] whereas others claim Holmes was kidnapped by Nash's henchmen when they recognized him walking around wearing some of Nash's jewelry. Mr. Holmes, who was staying at the Wonderland residence, was accused of opening the door to let the killers in and participating in the murders. Lind had spent the night with a male prostitute, leading to his survival. But he would eventually tell a court the same story of what hed seen at Nashs house although not until several years after the murders. To avoid leaving any identifying traces, the men had previously dipped their fingers in a product known as "Liquid Band-Aid" so as to not leave any fingerprints behind. Nash discovers Holmes was involved in the robbery, he has Holmes beaten and finds Holmes' little black book. The coalition of doctors and state officials created a registry that medical providers can check and see which immunizations children need, as well as a color-coded schedule with baby pictures indicating the appropriate ages for vaccines to help parents track their children's care. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Lind is not present during the attacks. Barbara Richardson Prior to his passing, the LAPD was still investigating the murders long after the trial of Holmes had ended. Launius, DeVerell, and Lind performed the invasion and robbery, while McCourt waited outside in a stolen Ford Granada and served as lookout. It is currently the last production to adapt the original stories (as Tim Burton's 2010 film was written as a sequel) and was first broadcast on NBC and then shown on British television on Channel 4. And I took a Lear jet into Burbank and I met with Eddie Nash., When Thorson arrived, however, Nash had neither drugs nor money. On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 34% based on 101 reviews. New Charges in 19-Year-Old Drug Killings in Hollywood, https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/21/us/new-charges-in-19-year-old-drug-killings-in-hollywood.html. [5][11] Miller was a heroin user who had fallen in with the Wonderland Gang through her self-immersion in drug culture. So, how much is Barbara Richardson worth at the age of 71 years old? The story eventually moves on to two city detectives investigating the crime, Sam Nico and Louis Cruz, and their contact with Holmes. Their cause of death was blunt force trauma. David Clay Lind was a biker, heroin addict, and member of the Aryan Brotherhood who befriended Launius when the two men served time in prison together. Facebook gives. Discover Barbara Richardson's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 1976 John Holmes Barbara Lee Grave Memorials Find A Grave Easton True Crime Donovan Graphic Image In Hollywood More information . Launius is buried at Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery in, DeVerell is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Covina Hills) in, Miller is buried at Mount Sinai Memorial Park in, Richardson is buried at Saint Marys Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in, David Lind died of a heroin overdose on November 16, 1995, aged 55. She draws on her Southern roots to write award-winning books for children in grades 3 to 6. Holmes actually went to Nash's three times that morning. The next morning, Ron Launius, Lind, and Deverell carry out the robbery, while wheel-man Tracy McCourt waits outside in a car, serving as lookout. The robbery was seemingly successful, having yielded a lucrative haul for the gang; they absconded with more than $1.2 million ($3.6 million today) worth of cocaine, heroin, quaaludes, cash, the antique guns, and jewelry. Gregory Diles died of liver failure on January 16, 1997, aged 48. At 71 years old, Barbara Richardson height not available right now. He is from . Afraid that he is wearing out his welcome, he persuades his hosts to rip off a local nightclub owner named Eddie Nash (Eric Bogosian), and then he betrays them by helping Nash take revenge. However, he died in 1988. While there had been no arrests even to this day, the place still might be haunted with a spirit or two that may tell the story of what actually happened. He spent considerable time in the Colorado prison system, but when he was free he operated a successful mobile phone franchise. All five occupants were known for dealing drugs while using themselves. While prosecutors were attempting to paint Holmes as one of the willing participants of the murders, Holmes attorneys were able to prove that Holmes was not involved with the murders, but rather a victim who was forced to allow the assailants entry into the home to carry out the attack. Holmes had entered the home while the doors were unlocked. [1] On July 1, 1981, three members and one associate of the gang died in the Wonderland murders (also known as the "Four on the Floor murders" or the "Laurel Canyon murders"). With its flashbacks, split-screen montages, decade-jumping soundtrack, sped-up action and frequent shifts of light and color, ''Wonderland'' feels like ''Law & Order'' on crack. Holmes then visits Nash to buy drugs, and on the way out leaves the kitchen door unlocked to give the Wonderland gang easy access. The film stars Val Kilmer, Kate Bosworth, Dylan McDermott, Carrie Fisher, Lisa Kudrow, Josh Lucas, Christina Applegate, Tim Blake Nelson, and Janeane Garofalo. One witness named Scott Thorson (who was best known as a partner of famous musician Liberace) stopped by the house to purchase drugs. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. All of this is told through competing versions of the story related to a pair of grim-faced homicide detectives (Ted Levine and Franky G.) by Holmes and by David Lind (Dylan McDermott), a glowering ex-convict who participated in the robbery and escaped Nash's revenge. She was the sole survivor of the attack suffering severe head injuries, amnesia, and a severed finger. She is also the New Mexico chairperson of Read Across America. The high quality of most of the acting makes this otherwise pointless and indulgent movie at least watchable, and Lisa Kudrow's performance in particular provides a glimpse of the better movie you wish it were. Holmes was acquitted in June 1982, after a three-week trial. While there, he noticed a man resembling Holmes being tied to a chair and being beaten by Diles. The two of them became heavy drug users, later becoming police informants, and they travelled to Los Angeles in 1981 to join Ron Launius' Wonderland Gang. The final victim was Barbara Richardson, 22, Sacramento, Calif. Court records revealed that a codefendant in Miss Miller's narcotics case was John 'Ricco' Vlick, 53, who lives in a. Launius, DeVerell, McCourt, and Lind had invaded the home of Eddie Nash, a known organized crime boss, and nightclub owner. Scott Thorson, who was buying drugs at Nash's home, wrote in his memoir My Life with Liberace (1988) that Nash had ordered Diles to bring Holmes to Nash's house, which Diles did after finding Holmes walking around Hollywood wearing one of Nash's rings. Barbara works at Animal Rescue. When questioned, neighbors said the drug-fueled Wonderland parties often included loud, violent screaming and disruptive noise, so when they heard the murders occurring, they simply believed another party was taking place. The killings occurred in an era of notorious Los Angeles criminals, including the Skid Row Slasher, the Hillside Strangler and the Night Stalker. Anyone can read what you share. Mr. Cox is not really interested in the truth behind the murders or in generating sympathy for anyone touched by them. and studied at Clarkstown High School South. Matt Damon played him opposite Michael Douglas in the 2013 HBO movie Behind the Candelabra, based on Thorsons tell-all book by the same name about his relationship with the famous pianist. This page was last edited on 21 January 2023, at 15:57. As of January 2017, Susan Launius is both the sole survivor of the Wonderland murders and the only living member of the Wonderland Gang. While the Wonderland murders still remain unsolved to this day, many of those who were connected in some way are no longer living. Notice the blood on the walls. The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is no doubt one of the most extravagant theatres in the world. [1] He is a member of famous with the age 71 years old group. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! Apparent assailants inside the house and watched the murders occur of 71 years old, Barbara Richardson Biography. Is a member of famous with the age 71 years old group to elaborate, the of. 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