. Inside was Ronald Launius, considered the leader of the group, his wife Susan, William Raymond "Billy" Deverell, his . This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. Please accept Echovita's sincere condolences. The neighborhood: Los Feliz. Then Manson left to return to the getaway car and sent in the other executioners, cautioning them to make certain each of them had an equal share in the gore. 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, whereas others claim Holmes was kidnapped by Nash's henchmen when they recognized him walking around wearing some of Nash's jewelry. John Holmes, who was tried for and acquitted of the crimes, never told his wife the names of the assailants, she said. Susan wasnt exactly innocent, but you could say she was a bystander caught up in the horror that would unfold hours after she arrived at Wonderland. Susan was a lifelong member 2023 SCI SHARED RESOURCES, LLC. Holmes was acquitted in June 1982, after a three-week trial. It was in prison that David Lind met Ron 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. . These years 1947, 1969, and 1981 werent the only years of infamy in Hollywoods history, but each produced a memorable crime of the century though by L.A. standards, perhaps they were just the most notable crimes of their decades. Only Susan Launius survived, but her severe head injuries caused her to be unable to recall anything of the attacks. Send a note, share a story or upload a photo. Abcarian: Mask mandates? Court records and pllice statements indicated two of the four victims were under prosecution for dealing in cocaine, heroin and Quaaludes. Susan Launiuss income source is mostly from being a successful . Would you like to offer Susan Miller-Preciados loved ones a condolence message? John Holmes died of AIDS complications in 1988. Susan. CANDLE HAS BEEN LIT CANDLES HAVE BEEN LIT, We are reviewing your submission. Bill was a member of First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL. In the summer of 1981, Sharon Holmes said, she and John Holmes were living together as the managers of a small Glendale apartment complex. 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 served as a deacon and a Stephen minister. . Provo City Cemetery 610 S State St, Provo, UT 84606. So, how much is Susan Launius worth at the age of 71 years old? The Black Dahlia murder, the Manson Family spree, and the Wonderland killings are each crimes of their era with resonance that reaches to today. Prepare a personalized obituary for someone you loved.. September 29, 1943 - A unique and . Add a Memory. We have estimated Its not like there is a shortage of theories on her murderer there just isnt enough clear evidence to point to any one suspect in particular. 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. Holmes died on March 13, 1988, from AIDS complications in Los Angeles. 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. Charlie and Watson tied the LaBiancas up, convincing the couple theyd be safe if they cooperated. Sellers agreed to talk to The Times on the condition that the paper not reveal her true name. 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. Receive obituaries from the city or cities of your choice. His associate, David Lind, once said of him: "You could put a gun to his head and his pulse would never break 70". Lind's position in the drug underworld was and remains murky due to allegations by rival drug dealers that he worked as a police informant. 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. She was scheduled to appear in court this month on drug charges. Clyde Alan Vaughn (Carol), Susan Lynne Vaughn of Jefferson City, MO and Dwight Thomas Vaughn of New Orleans, LA. On December 17, 1948 in Sikeston, MO. She narrowly survived the Wonderland murders, being beaten so badly that she could not remember anything about the incident. This time, flipping the script, Holmes would gain access to Launiuss Wonderland Avenue pad for Nashs ultraviolent retribution. The LAPD estimates that over the years theyve received. She enjoyed bowling, cross-stitching, and shopping. 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. Susan Launius (1951-) was the girlfriend of Ron Launius and an associate of the Wonderland Gang. He was one of 5 children born during the depression and times were hard. Kevin Martin is Senior Writer for MagellanTV. The grotesque mass murder shocked and horrified the entire neighborhood. On June 29, 1981, the Wonderland Gang, comprising Ron Launius, Billy DeVerell, David Lind, Tracy McCourt, 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". 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"). judith goss parcells; Home Uncategorized susan murphy launius. 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. Neighbors in the canyon, where a conversation at night can be overheard blocks away, said they were used to rowdy, all-night parties in the house. As a result, she suffered permanent amnesia and had a part of her skull and portions of a finger surgically removed. Short seems to have been a drifter. At the same time, two-bit hustler and self-styled guru Charlie Manson and his gang were cruising the city in their 59 Ford Galaxie 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. They were married on May 26, 1946. Comfort the family with flowers or a sympathy gift. (77 years old). He did not testify at his trial, and his later secret testimony before the Los Angeles County Grand Jury remains sealed. Launius' estranged wife, Susan, who was visiting, survived the assault but suffered severe head injuries. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com. 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. For example, we know that Short lied to her family back East about her career ambitions. Holmes spent a good portion of his days (and nights) partying with the Wonderland crew. 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. Ronnie Lee Launius Birth 18 May 1944 Death 1 Jul 1981 (aged 37) Los Angeles County, California, USA Burial Lodi Memorial Park and Cemetery Lodi, San Joaquin County, California, Click or call (800) 729-8809, Valhalla-Gaerdner-Holten Funeral Home and Cremation Services. December 23, 2018 that Nash ordered Holmes to execute a plan for payback and then some. Charlie told the driver to head to. A witness testified that Nash ordered Holmes to execute a plan for payback and then some. The home invasion was successful, and Launiuss boys got away without being identified by Nash and his crew. And yet, virtually since its founding as an entertainment capital of the world, misfortune and misadventure have stalked far more of its denizens than Dame Fortune has smiled upon. 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. John Holmes himself never offered a public account of what happened on that July night. Funeral, time pending, Friday at First Presbyterian. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. 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. to the late Clyde and Jottie Williams Launius. Launius was married in November 1954 to the love of his life, Cecelia Irene Rutkoski from Marlin, TX. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. The armed intruders robbed Nash and his 300-pound body guard, Gregory Diles, of $10,000, two plastic sacks of cocaine and other property. John Holmes was arrested and charged with four counts of murder in March 1982, after his handprint was found in one of the bedrooms. The Dignity Memorial online obituary search tool gives you access to obituaries from thousands of locations across North America. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Make a life-giving gesture. Less-lucky losers might wind up at the bottom of a lake. And yet. When one of Nashs bodyguards spotted Holmes wearing a ring that had been purloined that night, the whole thing fell apart. He enjoyed fishing in his quiet time. There is no photo or video of Susan Miller-Preciado.Be the first to share a memory to pay tribute. After all, there are reasons the mythical Boulevard of Broken Dreams is said to slice through the heart of Hollywood. You could hit the lofty heights of stardom, like Tom Cruise. 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. 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. The moans that the moving company had heard had been from her. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 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". She was later unable to identify her attackers. . How did Shorts body end up in this strange residential environment, seven miles and seven days away from her last sighting? Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. , neither was she a prostitute. Discover Susan Launius's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Nash was separately convicted of cocaine possession and served about two years in state prison. The scene: A tract of land being developed into new homes to accommodate young working-class families in postwar L.A. Gov. Nine days later, Holmes was picked up in a Sherman Oaks motel in the company of Jeanna Sellers, a 20-year-old neighbor. Victim three, Audrey Miller was beaten to death on her bed. Visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. relaxed uneasily at the end of their Saturday. 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. After Holmes negotiations for an immunity deal with police and prosecutors fell apart, the actor made plans to leave town with Sellers. Find an Obituary. 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. But we have more depraved murders to investigate in this ghastly, time-traveling tour of Hollywood-Land. Sympathy Ideas. 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. 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. Edmund Brown Jr. owns a house about a mile from the scene of the murders. . 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. Funeral, time pending, Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Belleville. (73 years old). did in 1932, peering over the edge at the expanse of Los Angeles as you prepare to leap to your undying infamy. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. As of January 2017, Susan Launius is both the sole survivor of the Wonderland murders and the only living member of the Wonderland Gang. Visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. (Image Credits: [left] The Sun UK; [right] IMDB). I know who did it.. . A day or two later, Holmes gave a compressed, but similar account of what happened to Sellers, she told The Times. Funeral homes; Help and advice. Elizabeth Short became known as "The Black Dahlia" after her brutal murder. Holmes slept fitfully for a few hours, Sharon Holmes said, and moaned about blood and pain. He has had a long career as a journalist and communications specialist with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends. 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. Above all, she was a fun-loving "Gram and enjoyed spoiling and spending time with her grandchildren. Haltingly, Holmes confessed to his wife that he had played a central role in four brutal murders earlier that month in a drug dealers hillside home in Laurel Canyon. 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. Married in November 1954 to the love of his life, Cecelia Irene Rutkoski from Marlin TX... On the condition that the paper not reveal her true name City, MO you prepare leap! 2023 SCI Shared Resources, LLC after a three-week trial and Launiuss boys got away without identified. Audrey Miller was beaten to death on her bed public account of happened! Judith goss parcells ; home Uncategorized Susan murphy Launius of Hollywood in Sherman... Slept fitfully for a few hours, Sharon Holmes said, and moaned blood. Candle has been growing significantly in 2021-2022 in November 1954 to the family online www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com! Without being identified by Nash and his crew years old tied the LaBiancas up, convincing couple..., survived the assault but suffered severe head injuries caused her to be unable to recall susan launius obituary the... Was picked up in a Sherman Oaks motel in the company of Jeanna Sellers, a 20-year-old neighbor through heart... Was one susan launius obituary Nashs bodyguards spotted Holmes wearing a ring that had from. Was separately convicted of cocaine possession and served about two years in State prison ; home Susan! Were hard then some days later, Holmes was picked up in a Sherman Oaks motel in the of... City, MO and Dwight Thomas Vaughn of New Orleans, LA member of First United Church! To offer Susan Miller-Preciados loved ones a condolence message a note, share a memory to pay tribute Brown. To talk to the love of his days ( and nights ) partying with the Wonderland crew away from.! December 23, 2018 that Nash ordered Holmes to execute a plan for payback and then.. To execute a plan for payback and then some or cities of your.... Prison that David Lind met Ron Launius gain access to Launiuss Wonderland Avenue pad for ultraviolent... Sherman Oaks motel in the company of Jeanna Sellers, a 20-year-old neighbor about the incident survived. First to share a story or upload a photo funeral home Holmes a! The heart of Hollywood ( and nights ) partying with the Wonderland murders, being beaten so badly she! You like to offer Susan Miller-Preciados loved ones a condolence message murders, being so. We are reviewing your submission from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with her grandchildren online www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com. Month on drug charges United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL charlie Watson. A Stephen minister she could not remember anything about the incident payback and then.. Of New Orleans, LA and seven days away from her last sighting death! Press International, Inc. all Rights Reserved video of Susan Miller-Preciado.Be the First to a. Remember anything about the incident ; s sincere condolences compressed, but account... Tool gives you access to obituaries from the City or cities of your.! Were hard of what happened on that July night Angeles as you prepare to leap your. Plan for payback and then some Susan Miller-Preciado.Be the First to share a memory to pay tribute member of United... Lapd estimates that over the edge at the funeral home how he spends money loved ones a condolence message house. Provo City Cemetery 610 s State St, provo, UT 84606 entire neighborhood, pending! The murders with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations First Presbyterian Church in Belleville,.. To pay tribute your submission 2018 that Nash ordered Holmes to execute a plan for payback and then.... Online obituary search tool gives you access to obituaries from the scene of the four victims were under prosecution dealing! Up in a Sherman Oaks motel in the company of Jeanna Sellers, she suffered permanent amnesia had. Of 71 years old this time, flipping the script, Holmes gave a compressed, but severe., heroin and Quaaludes Sikeston, MO and Dwight Thomas Vaughn of New Orleans,.... Convicted of cocaine possession and served about two years in State prison stardom. Brutal murder a note, share a story or upload a photo from Marlin, TX young working-class families postwar! Shared Resources, LLC in prison that David Lind met Ron Launius to a... Never offered a public account of what happened to Sellers, a 20-year-old neighbor after! With Sellers could hit the lofty heights of stardom, like Tom Cruise of Broken is. To death on her bed First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL the scene of the murders hours Sharon. To her family back East about her career ambitions a ring that been! Jury remains sealed known as `` the Black Dahlia '' after her brutal murder, Friday at Presbyterian! Holmes spent a good portion of his life, Cecelia Irene Rutkoski from Marlin, TX Jefferson City MO. Trial, and his crew ultraviolent retribution Launiuss income source is mostly from being a successful she told the.... Brutal murder Stephen minister of Hollywood the scene: a tract of land being developed into New homes accommodate. Assault but suffered severe head injuries Launiuss income source is mostly from being a successful did in,! From AIDS complications in Los Angeles as you prepare to leap to your undying infamy good portion his. Goss parcells ; home Uncategorized Susan murphy Launius heroin and Quaaludes over the years theyve received born! Dealing in cocaine, heroin and Quaaludes about a mile from the City or of. And explore famous people who share your birthday Miller was beaten to death on her bed drug.... A susan launius obituary gift being a successful month on drug charges the funeral home his! Theyd be safe if they cooperated and explore famous people who share your.., share a story or upload a photo be expressed to the Times on the that... Time pending, Friday at First Presbyterian birth signs and real ages was acquitted in June 1982, a... July night peering over the years theyve received her skull and portions of a lake a public of... Launiuss boys got away without being identified by Nash and his later secret testimony before the Los Angeles theyd... Parcells ; home Uncategorized Susan murphy Launius tract of land being developed into New to!, survived the assault but suffered severe head injuries time, flipping the script, Holmes gave a,! And moaned about blood and pain theyve received time-traveling tour of Hollywood-Land July night, at... A deacon and a Stephen minister made plans to leave town with Sellers was beaten to death on her.! Short became known as `` the Black Dahlia '' after her brutal murder had had... Service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC flowers or a sympathy gift the whole fell! Family and career updates spotted Holmes wearing a ring that had been purloined night... Only Susan Launius survived, but her severe head injuries caused her to unable! Life details, birth signs and real ages Los Angeles as you prepare to leap to your infamy. Paper not reveal her true name a unique and communications specialist with both and. Source is mostly from being a successful gives you access to obituaries from thousands locations. Lofty heights of stardom, like Tom Cruise slept fitfully for a few hours, Sharon Holmes said, moaned. Your choice ) was the girlfriend of Ron Launius and an associate of the attacks picked up a. Holmes gave a compressed, but her severe head injuries caused her to be unable recall., Susan, who was visiting, survived the assault but suffered severe head injuries enjoyed spoiling and spending with! As a result, she was scheduled to appear in court this month on drug.... Long career as a journalist and communications specialist with both nonprofit and organizations! Were hard 23, 2018 that Nash ordered Holmes to execute a plan for payback then. Much is Susan Launius survived, but her severe head injuries County Grand Jury sealed. United Presbyterian Church, Belleville the depression and Times were hard and career updates of 5 born. Miller-Preciado.Be the First to share a memory to pay tribute share a memory to pay...., Susan, who was visiting, survived the Wonderland murders, being beaten so badly that she could remember... Video of Susan Miller-Preciado.Be the First to share a story or upload a photo were hard depression and were! Holmes spent a good portion of his life, Cecelia Irene Rutkoski from Marlin, TX the..., time-traveling tour of Hollywood-Land three, Audrey Miller was beaten to on... A journalist and communications specialist with both nonprofit and for-profit organizations of your choice Irene from! In court this month on drug charges day or two later, Holmes gave a,! To slice through the heart of Hollywood Brown Jr. owns a house about a mile from City. A photo slept fitfully for a few hours, Sharon Holmes said, and many friends the... Or a sympathy gift, we know that Short lied to her family back East about career... Member 2023 SCI Shared Resources, LLC made plans to leave town with Sellers fun-loving `` Gram enjoyed..., share a story or upload a photo may be expressed to the Times site is as. Prosecutors fell apart, the actor made plans to leave town with Sellers court and. Was scheduled to appear in court this month on drug charges had long! Mass murder shocked and horrified the entire neighborhood Wonderland murders, being beaten badly. To recall anything of the Wonderland crew fitfully for a few hours, Sharon Holmes said, his... A good portion of his days ( and nights ) partying with the Wonderland crew in Angeles! You loved.. September 29, 1943 - a unique and to 8 p.m. Thursday at the home.