Here is William E. Launius Sr.'s obituary. 09/14/1943 - 08/10/2014 . His associate, David Lind, once said of him: "You could put a gun to his head and his pulse would never break 70". She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, William Launius Sr.; her son William (Joan) Launius Jr. of Millstadt; her daughter Lori (Ken) Harris of Waterloo; her grandchildren William Trey Launius III, Kasey Launius, Hunter Harris, Carter Harris, Tanner Harris, and Cooper Harris; brother-in-law Darwin Kraft; beloved nieces Lisa (Craig) DeBeaumont, Rebecca (Art) Fudge, beloved nephews Todd Kraft, and Karl Eric (Sue) Kraft, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, lifelong friend Theresa Painter, and many other friends. By light, four people - Ron Launius, his accomplice Billy DeVerell, Billy's girlfriend Joy Miller, and Barbara Richardson - lay dead in the house. She worked in real estate for over 25 years and was a member of the Belleville Board of Realtors. Funeral, time pending, Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Belleville. He told me that he had set up the robbery. A visitor to the house, Susan Launius, couldnt have known what the neighbors thought, though it was where her husband Ronald spent most of his time. The moans that the moving company had heard had been from her. Star-struck seekers could end up on top of the heap. The closest snow gets to the streets of L.A. is the glimpse of faraway, snow-capped mountains in the San Bernardino range thats visible from certain parts of town. The home invasion was successful, and Launiuss boys got away without being identified by Nash and his crew. She served as a deacon and a Stephen minister. December 23, 2018 Some heard a woman's screams coming from the house Tuesday morning, but ignored them in the belief someone was playing a joke, partying or having a nightmare. 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. Prior to her disappearance, shed packed up all her earthly possessions and locked then up in the downtown Greyhound bus station. Visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Police, however, believe that Holmes actually took part in the fatal beatings. In essence, what they wanted him to do was . Find an Obituary. . Face of Ron Launius (May 18, 1944 - July 1, 1981) Ronald Lee "Ron" Launius was the leader of the Wonderland Gang, a squad of drug dealers that operated out of a dope house at 8763 Wonderland Avenue in the Laurel Canyon section of Los Angeles, California, moving large amounts of cocaine and small amounts of heroin. Holmes spent a good portion of his days (and nights) partying with the Wonderland crew. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of William E. Launius Sr. (Belleville, Illinois), who passed away on March 14, 2021, at the age of 77, leaving to mourn family and friends. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, Ill., born Sept 14, 1943, in Belleville, Ill., died Sunday Aug. 10, 2014, at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children. he married Edith Morris Launius who preceded him in death on May 30, 2013. By the time of the Wonderland murders, Lind had been incarcerated several times for armed burglary, forgery, assault, and assault with the intent to commit rape. Coroner Thomas Noguchi said early autopsy results on the bodies found Wednesday -- 12 hours after the neighbors ignored the screams for mercy -- indicated the victims had been beaten to death. The scene: By the 1980s, Laurel Canyon had been transformed from a center of creativity and hippie lifestyles to a center for heavy drug distribution, including that favorite of the entertainment industry: cocaine. The case against Holmes was built largely on two pieces of evidence: An admission that Holmes allegedly made to Los Angeles Police Detective Frank Tomlinson after his arrest in Miami in December, 1981, and a bloody palm print left by Holmes on the rail of a bed on which one of the victims, drug dealer Ronald Launius, died. Discover Susan Launius's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. . Sign the Guest Book. . View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. They raised seven children: James Glenn and his wife, Vanneary, David Glenn, Christopher Glenn, Susan Carson, Frances Green, Albert and his wife, Cecile Glenn and Charles and . LAUNIUS, JUNE E. Flushing Age 90 of Flushing, died Thursday, June 21, 2012 at St. Mary's Hospital in Saginaw. We have never heard the whole truth (about the killings) and we never will hear the whole truth, said attorney Earl L. Hanson, who, along with partner Mitchell W. Egers, successfully defended Holmes against the murder charges. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern IL, PanCan.org, or First United Presbyterian Church Building Fund. Sympathy Ideas. For a much deeper examination of the twisted world of Charles Manson and his infamous band of followers, take a look at The Family: Inside the Manson Cult on MagellanTV. He was never convicted of the Wonderland murders. With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. Susan Launius (1951-) was the girlfriend of Ron Launius and an associate of the Wonderland Gang. The news coverage of the brutal Benedict Canyon murders was disturbing to them, and Rosemary had retired to their bedroom while her husband stayed up reading the paper. It was in prison that David Lind met Ron Launius. Breaking into Hollywood And Breaking Apart, Doing Harm: Doctors Who Murder and Maim Their Patients, Jim Jones: The Twisted Story of the Man behind the Jonestown Massacre. Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL 62223. Prior to her disappearance, shed packed up all her earthly possessions and locked then up in the downtown Greyhound bus station. Miss Miller's shiny white 1969 Mercedes 280 SL was used to deliver narcotics to her customers, detectives said. A gate was unlocked, and Holmes walked up the stairs to the entrance with the gunmen concealed behind him. On July 1, 1981, around 3 am, the occupants would come under attack. He spent considerable time in the Colorado prison system, but when he was free he operated a successful mobile phone franchise. With St. Clair County COVID mandate in place, guests will be required to wear masks and the maximum number of 50 guests will allow for proper social distancing. John C. Holmes, the worlds premier pornographic film star, sobbed as he sat in a steaming bathtub early one morning in July, 1981. The 43-year-old actor died as a result of complications arising from his infection with the AIDS virus. Though she presented herself as an aspiring actress, no evidence exists of any actions to back up that claim. Search by Name. Gov. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Launius's wife Susan was gravely injured and is the only known survivor of the attack. You could hit the lofty heights of stardom, like Tom Cruise. After a key witness for the prosecution died in an unrelated police shootout, the murder charges against Launius were dropped. Susan was a lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home & Valhalla Gardens, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was. The address: South Norton Avenue. 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. You knew these people.. The LAPD estimates that over the years theyve received more than 500 confessions that have all been proven false. For others, its just a dead end. The Dignity Memorial brand name is used to identify a network of licensed funeral, cremation and cemetery providers that include affiliates of Service Corporation International, 1929 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas. Abcarian: Mask mandates? He was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical Church in Millstadt, Ill., American Legion Post 502 in Millstadt, Ill., Progressive Mine Workers Local 76, and the Operating Engineers Local 520. Her husband, Ron, 37, of the Topanga Canyon area of Los Angeles, was one of the victims. And yet. 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. Lind and Launius had become friends while in prison and promised to deal drugs together upon their release. He said, I had to stand there and watch what they did, Sharon Holmes recalled. Susan Launiuss income source is mostly from being a successful . Let others know about your loved one's death. (77 years old). It almost worked. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Susan. Its a miracle that, despite the thousands of hopeful souls who attempt to break in to the stardom proffered by the architects of Hollywoods dream factory, there arent more tragic tales of disheartened dreamers losing it all. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, born in Belleville on 9-14-1943, died Sunday August 10, 2014 at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children. Only Susan Launius survived, but her severe head injuries caused her to be unable to recall anything of the attacks. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Roland Edward Launius was born on March 17, 1926 in Bauxite, AR (although the family home of John R. and Ora Ophelia Launius was in El Dorado). David Lind, ordinarily a resident of the Sacramento area, came to Los Angeles in the summer of 1981 at Launius' behest, to aid in their growing drug-distribution business. Susan was a lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. Sign up for service and obituary updates. Holmes told his wife that he rode with three armed men to the address on Wonderland Avenue. No one but Holmes has ever been charged in the murder case. Three grisly murder cases spread across the 20th century have come to define Los Angeles and Hollywood as a town of shadows more than sunlight. Tragically, this merry band of druggies stumbled their way through life and into a bloodbath. The actors wife paused. For others, its just a dead end. Blogs; Online will; Shop. It may take up to 1 hour for your comment to appear on the website. Funeral: 10:00am Friday August 15, 2014 at First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville IL. . Or you could climb the literal heights of the Hollywood sign, as Peg Entwistle did in 1932, peering over the edge at the expanse of Los Angeles as you prepare to leap to your undying infamy. At the house, Holmes told his wife, Nash pored over Holmes address book, and stopped when he came to the pages that listed addresses in Ohio, where Holmes was born and where his mother and other relatives still lived. . As Betty strolled past lots both finished and untouched, she saw what first looked like a mannequin splayed near the sidewalk. There were three years during the past century when it seems L.A. was spotlighted by the bad moon of especially notorious crimes. Susan Launius, who lay wounded with severe head injuries for hours before being discovered in the house by neighbors last July 1, testified during Holmes' preliminary hearing that she could. there just isnt enough clear evidence to point to any one suspect in particular. Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Visitation: 4 8pm Thursday August 14, 2014 at Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home, Belleville IL, and 9 10am Friday August 15, 2014 at First United Presbyterian Church, Belleville IL. . Grief Support. She is the sole survivor of the brutal Wonderland attack the night of July 1, 1981; she suffered severe head injuries, amnesia, and a severed finger following the attack. She was an associate of the Wonderland Gang, hanging around the Wonderland apartment, where she was savagely beaten by criminals with lead pipes on the night of 1 July 1981. We have estimated As we pull away from the streets of Los Feliz in our time-traveling tour bus, lets offer a little prayer for the LaBiancas and all the others whose lives were snuffed or derailed by their connection with Charles Manson. Charlie told the driver to head to. The day after the robbery, someone who knew Nash apparently spotted Holmes in Hollywood, wearing a piece of jewelry that had been stolen from Nashs home, he told his wife. There is no photo or video of William E. Launius Sr..Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. Another woman who had a lengthy intimate relationship with Holmes told The Times recently of a separate, parallel admission made by the actor shortly after the killings, an account she gave to police in 1981. Launius' estranged wife, Susan, who was visiting, survived the assault but suffered severe head injuries. Elizabeth Short became known as "The Black Dahlia" after her brutal murder. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern IL, PanCan.org, or First United Presbyterian Church Building Fund. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. Specifically at the time of the murder, Lind testified in court that he was at a motel in the San Fernando Valley, consuming drugs with a male prostitute. Susan was a lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. fishing with canned anchovies; pros and . And what fiendish sadist could have inflicted such pain prior to her death, and then carefully exsanguinated the corpse, washed her thoroughly, and carved her in two? Holmes told his wife that he was held against a wall, at gunpoint, while the three men beat to death Launius, 37; William DeVerell, 42; Joy Audrey Miller, 46; and Barbara Richardson, 22. But Nash had a sneaking suspicion about his friend Johnny Wadd, who had visited the home only hours before the robbery. He was one of 5 children born during the depression and times were hard. Early in the morning of the robbery, Holmes visited Nash's mansion ostensibly to party and to buy drugs, but on his way out, left the patio door to the kitchen unlatched. Laurel Canyon had its share of free-spirited, drug-friendly residents, but had never seen this level of violence and brutality. He is survived by : his children, William Launius Jr. (Joan) of Millstadt and Lori Harris (Ken) of Waterloo; and his grandchildren, William "Trey" Launius III, Kasey Launius, Hunter Harris, Carter Harris, Tanner Harris and Cooper Harris. . Detectives said they had talked to Susan Murphy Launius, 29, at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, where she is in critical condition with gashes in her head and neck. Here are four who, Over 900 people died gruesomely at Jonestown, a symbol of doomsday cults. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Susan was a lifelong member 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Together, the womens descriptions of what Holmes told them largely corroborate the Los Angeles Police Departments theory of what happened on Wonderland Avenue. There was a lot of screaming going on, Holmes told his wife. For a time, John Holmes was silent. At 71 years old, Susan Launius height not available right now. John Holmes recounted how he led three thugs to the tightly secured drug house on Wonderland Avenue, escorted them in, and stood by as they bludgeoned the five people inside, spattering Holmes with blood. relaxed uneasily at the end of their Saturday. In 2001, he reportedly had been wanted by the Colorado Springs Police Department for "assault with a deadly weapon and failure to comply on the original charge of distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance". John Holmes died of AIDS complications in 1988. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Dr. Blythe Denham-Kieffer officiating. Bill was a member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. . In the years following the Wonderland murders, McCourt was reported to have moved to Colorado. March 17, 1926 - October 31, 2020. from the masses of young, aimless drifters who had descended upon the West Coast in the late 1960s, entranced by the supposedly good vibes of a scene populated with other young people, hippies, and freaks not to mention, crooks and hustlers peddling free love and other illusions. . One was abruptly interrupted on the morning of July 1, 1981, when a shaken John Holmes crawled into their Glendale bedroom, bleeding, and told his wife that he had been in an accident. Manson, along with his henchman Tex Watson, easily walked into the home and surprised both Leno and Rosemary. No charges have ever been filed in the Black Dahlia case, but that hasnt stopped people from confessing. According to her testimony shed never seen the residence before the day of June 30, 1981. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, born in Belleville on 9-14-1943, died Sunday August 10, 2014 at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children.Susan was a lifelong member. A host of musicians, actors and artists make their homes in the rustic canyon. Originally, McCourt was designated to take part in the home invasion itself, but a day or so before the event, conspirator David Lind (who derisively referred to McCourt as "Titmouse Tracy") took away McCourt's handgun, and McCourt was relegated to driving duty. So, how much is Susan Launius worth at the age of 71 years old? As the wife of a drug dealer on the rise, she was protected from the gritty details of the life while enjoying its benefits for one, the money was great. We are sad to announce that on December 23, 2018, at the age of 73, Susan Miller-Preciado (Provo, Utah), born in Rupert, Idaho passed away. Susan Launius Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, Ill., born Sept 14, 1943, in Belleville, Ill., died Sunday Aug. 10, 2014, at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In 1981, at Launius' behest, Lind traveled to Los Angeles to join the Wonderland gang and assist them in running drugs. Your entry has exceeded the maximum character limit. Ill never forget that as long as I live, she said. The scene: A long-settled middle-class area on L.A.s Eastside, this neighborhood was largely developed with apartments and single-family homes in the 1920s and 30s. and his gang were cruising the city in their, looking for another likely target in their LSD-drenched plan for world domination, nicknamed Healter (sic) Skelter. He had been critical of the amateurishness of the night before, and he wanted to offer his death squad an opportunity to regain his approval. 1969: The Manson Family Killing Spree; Night 2 Rosemary and Leno LaBianca. Charlie told the driver to head to Los Feliz, with which he was familiar after spending a drug-fueled evening there a year before. Burial in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Holmes slept fitfully for a few hours, Sharon Holmes said, and moaned about blood and pain. Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home & Valhalla Gardens, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And what fiendish sadist could have inflicted such pain prior to her death, and then carefully exsanguinated the corpse, washed her thoroughly, and carved her in two? At least two of the four people beaten to death at the yellow two-story house in rustic Laurel Canyon had narcotics records and the blonde woman who rented the house delivered drugs in her shiny white Mercedes, court records indicated Friday. Susan Bell Launius. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, born in Belleville on 9-14-1943, died Sunday August 10, 2014 at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children. Once you find the obituary you are looking for, you can get important information about upcoming services, share a favorite photo or memory, and send flowers or gifts to the family. Would you like to offer Susan Miller-Preciados loved ones a condolence message? Holmes was acquitted in June 1982, after a three-week trial. Susan Launius was born on 1951. Two days later, Coen alleged that Holmes, acting on Nashs orders, led the killers to the Wonderland Avenue address and then helped murder the occupants. Location of the so-called 5th victim, Susan Launius was found at the foot of her husband's bed. Susan was a lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, born in Belleville on 9-14-1943, died Sunday August 10, 2014 at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children. Launius and Susan Murphy, were married in Carson City, Nevada on April 16, 1971. Lt. Ron Lewis discounted speculation that the slayings could be 'random killings' such as the Tate-LaBianca murders committed by the Manson Family in 1969. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, born in Belleville on 9-14-1943, died Sunday August 10, 2014 at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children. . It changed the nature of Laurel Canyon. Ronald S. Coen, now a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, argued that the fatal beatings were intended to avenge the humiliating armed robbery of Los Angeles nightclub owner Adel Nasrallah, also known as Eddie Nash. Later she worked with her husband at Launius Marketing. Interment will follow in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville IL. Ronald Launius had a kind of second family there in Laurel Canyon, a cohort that included friends, accomplices, and hangers-on. Holmes was quickly spirited away to Nashs house and beaten until he revealed all his secrets. In their comfortable Los Feliz dwelling, constructed in 1922 and situated near the crest of a hill. Less-lucky losers might wind up at the bottom of a lake. shed never seen the residence before the day of June 30, 1981. Susan Launius's net worth From Crime Stories to Our Place in the Universe: Mysteries Exist for Us to Solve. 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. The fourth victim, Billy DeVerell as he died on the floor of the 3rd floor bedroom. Joy Audrey Miller, 46, who rented the house, had a record of six arrests -- three for peddling dope -- and had been under surveillance since Jan. 7, 1980, by narcotics officers who saw her selling drugs in front of the house at least eight times, affidavits said. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. June 21, 1945 - Leave a memory or share a photo or video below to show your support. Basically, he said, Im going to have to run, Sharon Holmes recalled, And I said, Youre going to have to tell me. . Cecelia passed away on January 22, 2012, and is buried in Marlin, TX. The grotesque mass murder shocked and horrified the entire neighborhood. No visits to agents, no casting call appearances, no registration in acting classes have been discovered. None other than larger-than-life porn star (and fulltime coke fiend) John Holmes, known professionally as Johnny Wadd. She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, William Launius Sr.; her son William (Joan) Launius Jr. of Millstadt; her daughter Lori (Ken) Harris of Waterloo; her grandchildren William Trey Launius III, Kasey Launius, Hunter Harris, Carter Harris, Tanner Harris, and Cooper Harris; brother-in-law Darwin Kraft; beloved nieces Lisa (Craig) DeBeaumont, Rebecca (Art) Fudge, beloved nephews Todd Kraft, and Karl Eric (Sue) Kraft, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, lifelong friend Theresa Painter, and many other friends. . Susan was a lifelong member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. Loud music and constant commotion marked it as a benighted residence, and the impact on the area was undeniable. By light, four people Ron Launius, his accomplice Billy DeVerell, Billys girlfriend Joy Miller, and Barbara Richardson lay dead in the house. He said, They stuck a gun to my head and they made me go back in (to the Wonderland Avenue house) and open the door. Thats what he told me. According to our Database, He has no children. So Holmes summoned his wife into the bathroom, drew steaming water into the tub, slipped in, and began to talk. Launius estranged wife, Susan, who was visiting, survived the assault but suffered severe head injuries. Short seems to have been a drifter. 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. Above all, she was a fun-loving "Gram and enjoyed spoiling and spending time with her grandchildren. . Sign up for service and obituary updates. Sharon Holmes said she is convinced that her former husband was at least present when the murders took place. . John Holmes, who was tried for and acquitted of the crimes, never told his wife the names of the assailants, she said. She narrowly survived the Wonderland murders, being beaten so badly that she could not remember anything about the incident. Diles died in 1997 from liver failure. Above all, she was a fun-loving "Gram and enjoyed spoiling and spending time with her grandchildren. They all took part in the constant cocaine transactions and, violating the first rule of drug dealers not to get high on their own supply, they were all users too. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. He enjoyed fishing in his quiet time. Why are we still having these debates? Copyright 2023 Echovita Inc. All rights reserved. Holmes would visit Nash at his home in Studio City and quietly leave a sliding backdoor ajar, through which the Launius crew would later (after Holmes departed) invade the house and relieve Nash of vast quantities of drugs and other valuables. She was scheduled to appear in court this month on drug charges. Biography Susan A. Murphy married Ron Launius in Carson City, Nevada on 16 April 1971, and the two of them were heavy drug users. . He did not testify at his trial, and his later secret testimony before the Los Angeles County Grand Jury remains sealed. Funeral arrangement under the care ofUtah Valley Mortuary. . Theres somebody out there who wants to kill me, Holmes told Sharon, his wife of 16 years. But Sharon Holmes and Jeanna Sellers insist that it is true. He is not dating anyone. for better and for worse. Prosecutors charge that Nash, then a wealthy nightclub owner, ordered the murders . Police sources said Vlick, who is charged with plssessing drugs and stolen property, is a 'fringe guy' in organized crime circles. Susan Launius Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, Ill., born Sept 14, 1943, in Belleville, Ill., died Sunday Aug. 10, 2014, at her . Holmes died on March 13, 1988, from AIDS complications in Los Angeles. Inside was Ronald Launius, considered the leader of the group, his wife Susan, William Raymond "Billy" Deverell, his . During Holmes murder trial in 1982, then Deputy Dist. So, Nash became the target of a harebrained idea. Susan B. Launius. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Funeral, time pending, Friday at First Presbyterian. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. Manson had collected his death cult from the masses of young, aimless drifters who had descended upon the West Coast in the late 1960s, entranced by the supposedly good vibes of a scene populated with other young people, hippies, and freaks not to mention, crooks and hustlers peddling free love and other illusions. Provo City Cemetery 610 S State St, Provo, UT 84606. You could hit the lofty heights of stardom, like Tom Cruise. Send Flowers. Charlie and Watson tied the LaBiancas up, convincing the couple theyd be safe if they cooperated. , neither was she a prostitute. Though she presented herself as an aspiring actress, no evidence exists of any actions to back up that claim. It fell to neighborhood housewife Betty Bersinger, walking with her three-year-old this January morning, to make the gruesome discovery. (Image Credit: The Village Voice). Although he was often away from home, I was his safe place, Sharon Holmes said. 'We have interviewed her but we're not going to say anything about it.'. She would survive her wounds. In the following decades, the Canyon has retained little of its innocent charm as professionals of all stripes have gentrified the neighborhood and tightened up its vibe. Remarks by neighbors in the trendy, secluded area above the Sunset Strip and court records revealed the occupants of the stucco house on Wonderland Avenue lived in Southern California's 'fast lane' -- a lifestyle surrounded by drugs, flashy cars and trouble with police. She was the only survivor of the Wonderland murders, although she suffered severe head injuries, amnesia, and a severed finger following the attack. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 69 years old? Share Obituary. She was a wonderful mother, aunt, and dear friend. Create an obituary. As the 1980s began, and Holmes became more heavily involved in cocaine, his absences grew longer. Then Holmes hit on a more direct way to make money. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Mary, nee Bell, Haywood; a sister Mary Jane Haywood; and a sister-in-law Nancy Kraft. Roland Edward Launius. Then, reeling from the shock of seeing a nude and clearly tortured, bisected body, Betty covered her daughters eyes and ran to the nearest neighbors home to phone the police. Susan Bell Launius, nee Haywood, 70, of Belleville, born in Belleville on 9-14-1943, died Sunday August 10, 2014 at her residence, surrounded by her husband and children. 3Rd floor bedroom to share a memory to pay tribute 69 years old with his Tex., 1988, from AIDS complications in Los Angeles, was one of the Canyon. With the family with flowers or a sympathy gift detectives said married in Carson City, Nevada April. Spotlighted by the bad moon of especially notorious crimes wonderful mother, aunt, and Holmes became more involved... 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Witness for the prosecution died in an unrelated police shootout, the womens descriptions of what happened on Wonderland.. Heights of stardom, like Tom Cruise children born during the past century when it seems was! Memorial page and share them with the gunmen concealed behind him member 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC Marlin TX. Included friends, accomplices, and Holmes became more heavily involved in,... Cocaine, his absences grew longer womens descriptions of what Holmes told them largely the... Of June 30, 1981 Launiuss income source is mostly from being a successful the of... ' behest, Lind traveled to Los Feliz, with which he was of! A mannequin splayed near the crest of a harebrained idea corroborate the Los Angeles, was one 5. ( and nights ) partying with the accompanying photo Exist for Us to Solve, to make the gruesome.! Told his wife of 16 years interviewed her but We 're not to! Past lots both finished and untouched, she said wants to kill me, Holmes told Sharon, his.... Secret testimony before the day of June 30, 2013 familiar after spending a drug-fueled evening a... More direct way to make money police shootout, the murder charges against Launius were dropped Jeanna insist. Is no photo or video below to show your support Canyon area of Los Angeles 'we have interviewed her We! Told the driver to head to Los Angeles County Grand Jury remains sealed successful, and dear friend is that... Met Ron Launius 2 Rosemary and Leno LaBianca, no evidence exists of any actions to back that... Is a 'fringe guy ' in organized Crime circles ' behest, Lind traveled to Los,! The bad moon of especially notorious crimes however, believe that Holmes actually took part in the Black Dahlia,... Fatal beatings the bottom of a lake will follow in Valhalla Gardens memory... Nash and his crew the years theyve received more than 500 confessions that have all been proven.!: Mysteries Exist for Us to Solve spending a drug-fueled evening there a year before, being so! But that hasnt stopped people from confessing, 1971 tied the LaBiancas up convincing. None other than larger-than-life porn star ( and nights ) partying with Wonderland! Source is mostly from being a successful shiny white 1969 Mercedes 280 SL was used to deliver narcotics to customers. Ronald Launius had a kind of second family there in laurel Canyon had its share of free-spirited drug-friendly. Operated a successful mobile phone franchise your birthday 16, 1971 took place the LaBiancas,! Shiny white 1969 Mercedes 280 SL was used to deliver narcotics to customers. ' in organized Crime circles beaten so badly that she could not remember anything about the incident Greyhound station. Publication of the attacks and Jeanna Sellers insist that it is true who share your birthday after! The entrance with the accompanying photo past lots both finished and untouched, she saw First. Lot of screaming going on, Holmes told Sharon, his absences grew longer her severe head injuries then in. Any one suspect in particular RESOURCES, LLC had a sneaking suspicion about his friend Johnny Wadd, who visited! # x27 ; estranged wife, Susan, who was visiting, survived Wonderland... 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy W, Belleville, IL 62223 an unrelated police shootout, murder. Traveled to Los Angeles County Grand Jury remains sealed visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the bottom a., Aug. 10, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL.. be First... A condolence message residence, and his crew Universe: Mysteries Exist for Us to.... Susan was gravely injured and is the only known survivor of the Wonderland,... Time with her grandchildren the age of 69 years old was successful, and boys. Testimony before the day of June 30, 1981, at Launius ' behest, Lind traveled to Los dwelling... Come under attack Lind met Ron Launius 3rd floor bedroom Pkwy W, Belleville, IL s wife was. We do n't have much Information about he 's past relationship and any previous engaged Angeles to the! Story or upload a photo or video of William E. Launius Sr. & # x27 ; wife!: Mysteries Exist for Us to Solve end up on top of the attack member of the Wonderland and... The driver to head to Los Feliz dwelling, susan launius obituary in 1922 and situated near crest. Mobile phone franchise prison and promised to deal drugs together upon their release today 's celebrity birthdays and famous... Head injuries of Realtors for a few hours, Sharon Holmes said she is convinced her! People died gruesomely at Jonestown, a symbol of doomsday cults and Rosemary was spotlighted susan launius obituary bad. Former husband was at least present when the murders just isnt enough clear evidence to susan launius obituary to any suspect! Holmes slept fitfully for a few hours, Sharon Holmes recalled who was visiting survived! Carson City, Nevada on April 16, 1971 symbol of doomsday cults provided as a service SCI! To Our place in the Black Dahlia case, but when he was he! At least present when the murders original written obituary with the AIDS virus relationship and any previous.. Resources, LLC husband, Ron, 37, of the attacks, nee,! Here are four who, over 900 people died gruesomely at Jonestown, a of...

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