Through Lind's story (told in flashbacks), we are introduced to some of the people who partied at Wonderland. 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. Barbara Richardson Bedford, Texas Also known as: barbara.richardson.39 Animal Rescue Clarkstown High School South Barbara currently lives in Bedford, TX. As a result, she suffered permanent amnesia and had a part of her skull and portions of a finger surgically removed. 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"[citation needed]) took away McCourt's handgun, and McCourt was relegated to driving duty. Her latest book is Wish, a middle grade novel published by FSG. Miller had two adult daughters and was the ex-wife of a Beverly Hills attorney. Two of the suspected robbers, Ronald Launius and William Deverell, lived at the Wonderland residence and were killed there with two women, Barbara Richardson and the owner of the home, Joy Miller. He is perhaps best-known as Liberaces former lover. 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". Barbara Richardson was born on 1951. In Mr. Cox's film the particulars of the crime -- five people attacked with lead pipes in a house in Laurel Canyon, four of them fatally -- remain in some doubt, as does the extent of Holmes's responsibility. Ron Launius 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. I could hear the furniture flying. Anyone can read what you share. Historica Wiki is a FANDOM Games Community. She is also the New Mexico chairperson of Read Across America. On July 1, 1981, a group of Nash's henchmen (including Holmes), led by Diles, gains access to the apartment at Wonderland Avenue. Ratings Friends & Following This page was last edited on 21 January 2023, at 15:57. On 1 July 1981, she was beaten to death by some of Eddie Nash's men, who used striated lead pipes to kill the gang members, as she slept on the couch of Launius' rowhouse on Wonderland Avenue. He did not disclose the names of those responsible. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It determined that he was an unwilling participant who was forced to watch the attack. Holmes was acquitted in June 1982, after a three-week trial. Barbara Richardson's net worth Thorson remembers hearing the news of Nashs sentencing in October 2001. Wonderland is a 2003 American crime drama film, co-written and directed by James Cox and based on the real-life Wonderland Murders that occurred in 1981. He spent considerable time in the Colorado prison system, but when he was free he operated a successful mobile phone franchise. Launius, 36, was a Vietnam Veteran who had been dishonorably discharged after the Air Force discovered he had been smuggling heroin back to the states from overseas in the body bags of . "LA: Black Dahlia, John Holmes & Wonderland", "Slaying Victim Was Once Charged In Drug Murder", "Trial Begins for 2 in Grisly Laurel Canyon Murders of Mid-1981", "Crime Library: Notorious Murders: Celebrity: John Holmes", "John Holmes, 43, Dies, Was Star of Sex Films", "Nash Bodyguard Jurors Deadlock, to Try Again", "Two Acquitted in Second Trial for '81 Laurel Canyon Murders", "The New Season/Film; John Holmes's Boogie Life", "Gregory Dewitt Diles (1948-1997) - Find A Grave", "Adel Gharib "Eddie Nash" Nasrallah (1929-2014) -", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wonderland_Gang&oldid=1134934701, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from January 2022, All articles that may contain original research, Articles that may contain original research from January 2022, Articles with dead external links from December 2013, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2022, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2012, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2015, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2019, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2011, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Ronald Lee "Ron" Launius (May 18, 1944 - July 1, 1981) (Leader), William Raymond "Billy" DeVerell (February 14, 1937 - July 1, 1981), David Clay Lind (October 24, 1938 - November 16, 1995), Tracy Raymond McCourt (February 20, 1949 - October 18, 2006), Joy Audrey Gold Miller (May 14, 1935 - July 1, 1981) (DeVerell's girlfriend and the house leaseholder), Susan A. Murphy Launius (born 1951) (Launius' wife), Barbara Lee "Butterfly" Easton Richardson (October 15, 1958 - July 1, 1981) (Lind's girlfriend). Barbara Lee Richardson was born in Sacramento, California in 1958, and she became the girlfriend of Aryan Brotherhood biker David Lind. One witness named Scott Thorson (who was best known as a partner of famous musician Liberace) stopped by the house to purchase drugs. 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. Neither Holmes nor any of the women are present when the robbery occurs. The autopsy performed after his murder identified numerous injection scars on his forearms, in addition to hyperplasia of the lymph nodes a common sign of narcotics abuse. The home at one point was up for rent for the price of $3,000 a month. | 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. But there is no doubt that for those who may have known the story, they cannot help but get an eerie feeling each time they enter the house. [3] The men entered the property through the sliding glass door Holmes had left unlocked, and confronted Nash and his bodyguard, Gregory Diles, pretending to be police officers. The Wonderland murders have been the subject of movies, books, and, of course, podcasts. Also active in efforts to combat domestic violence, she helped to open a shelter for abused spouses in a corner of the state where such services had been nonexistent. http://us.macmillan.com/author/barbar. Lind and his girlfriend, Barbara Richardson, rode down to the Wonderland house on Lind's motorcycle and slept on the living room sofa. He is currently single. That is what they are paid to do of course; why anyone else should care is the real unsolved mystery. Joy Miller was found dead in her bed, while DeVerell's body was slumped at the foot, leaning against the TV stand. 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. 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 But that may not mean that some of the spirits of the Wonderland house are not done telling the story of what really happened here. ''Wonderland,'' directed by James Cox, is part of a curious, somewhat unsavory subgenre of movies that involve washed-up, sort-of-famous people and death by bludgeoning. Holmes was acquitted in 1982, but died in 1988 from complications related to AIDS. 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. Barbara Richardson 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. We will discuss the Wonderland House and the infamous murder that took place nearly 40 years ago and how it might be haunted even to this day. [9], 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. Eddie Nash had died in 2014. After the sun came up, police found a bloody crime scene inside a house 8763 Wonderland Avenue, the known residence of the Wonderland Gang, a group of drug dealers. However, he had admitted that he hired people to retrieve some property that belonged to him that was at the Wonderland house prior to police arriving to investigate the murders themselves. Lind accidentally fires his gun, wounding Nash's bodyguard, Greg Diles. The wild details Thorson shares strain credulity. One thing that stood out during the investigation was a print of a left-hand that apparently belonged to Holmes. The murder victims belong to a group of addicts and small-time dealers whose endless, hectic parties gain a certain sleazy cachet from Holmes's presence. I want to come to Matt Damons defense, he says, unbidden, referring to a recent uproar around the actors use of a particular f-word. [2], The Wonderland Gang mainly trafficked in the burgeoning cocaine trade of the era, but despite its role as the most influential and feared cocaine distributorship of its time in Los Angeles, some of its members were heroin addicts. Movies. Filming & Production View the profiles of people named Barbara Ann Richardson. 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". Stamford Hungry Scarecrow Ltd Scarborough catering college.. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Barbara Richardson Owner of Hungryscarecrow, creators of clean label, gluten-free bread mixes. Launius was known for remaining composed under pressure. Launius' wife, Susan, survived the attack, although she was left with permanent brain damage and lost part of one finger. As they were handcuffing both men, Lind accidentally shot Diles in the back after Launius bumped into him, injuring the bodyguard. Ms. Kudrow plays Sharon Holmes, John's estranged wife, to whom he turns when things become really desperate. 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. Prior to the robbery, Nash was visited on three separate occasions throughout the day by John Holmes, known at the time as one of the most popular adult film stars. When Liberace insisted that Thorson as his son get cosmetic surgery to look like him, the doctor gave him a nose job, sculpted cheekbones, and a chin implant (which he later had removed); he also started Thorson on a weight-loss plan that included pharmaceutical cocaine, quaaludes, and Demerol. In the early hours of July 1st, 1981, for the umpteenth time in his life, Scott Thorson found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Drugs were regularly dealt from the residence at 8763 Wonderland Avenue in the Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles. [citation needed], Susan A. Murphy Launius, then 30, while not an official member of the gang, was married to gang member Ron Launius and had a drug habit. Company Credits In retrospect, Thorson says he recognizes that Liberace took advantage of him. Mr. Holmes was accused of playing a role in both crimes and being the link between the two camps. As First Lady of New Mexico, she formed the New Mexico Immunizations Coalition in April 2003. Barbara Lee Richardson was born in Sacramento, California in 1958, and she became the girlfriend of Aryan Brotherhood biker David Lind. Susan Launius is beaten but survives, and is questioned by Nico and Cruz in her hospital bed. Mr. Lucas, playing the crown prince of the Laurel Canyon drug scene, is all nerves and teeth, showing some of the same sharp-faced ferocity he brought to ''A Beautiful Mind,'' in which he played John Nash's graduate-school rival. 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 Since the event occurred in the early morning hours, no phone calls were made to the police until at least 12 hours after the fact. The ''Wonderland murders,'' named after the site, 4763 Wonderland Avenue, where the killings took place on July 1, 1981, proved a potent mix of seamy celebrity, drugs and violence. Browse 278 barbara richardson stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Diles compels Holmes to deliver blows to Launius. As of January 2017, Susan Launius is both the sole survivor of the Wonderland murders and the only living member of the Wonderland Gang. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. The home was a site of an infamous homicide involving one of the most recognized adult film stars of his time. She was the sole survivor of the attack suffering severe head injuries, amnesia, and a severed finger. In addition, she runs an annual bowling fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.[3]. Prosecutors believed Nash had forced Holmes to help Diles murder the people in the house on Wonderland Avenue as revenge for a robbery. [citation needed], John Holmes was arrested and charged with four counts of murder in March 1982, after his handprint was found in one of the bedrooms. And I was there when they brought him back and they were all covered in blood. Later, Thorson adds, I heard Nash give the orders: Kill everyone thats there.. 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. Richarson's body was found on the living room floor in front of the sofa. Attempting to get back in the gang's good graces, Holmes suggests robbing Nash's home. [5] Another officer commented, upon hearing of Launius' death, "I suppose they won't need many pall bearers". I'm Barbara Richardson, assistant general manager of customer service, communications and marketing at Metro. Mr. Nash was believed to have figured out Mr. Holmes's role, forced him to reveal the robbers' identities and help in the killings. However, the events of the next several days would reveal this was a Pyrrhic victory, precipitating a chain of events that led to the demise of the gang. 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. Barbara Richardsons income source is mostly from being a successful . However, it was a house that gained infamy in the 1980s for such reasons that could even shock a longtime local. Holmes arrives at the apartment, and they have sex and snort cocaine in the bathroom. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Richardson's official autopsy report documented that she possessed intravenous drug injection site scars.[12]. Mr. Nash's lawyer, Fred Rucker, did not return telephone calls. Mr. Nash, 71, was arrested at noon on Friday at his condominium in Tarzana, a suburb northwest of Los Angeles. On the afternoon of July 1, 1981, Los Angeles police responded to a distress call on Wonderland Avenue and discovered a grisly quadruple homicide. Ron Launius, 37, Billy DeVerell, 44, Joy Miller, 46, and Barbara Richardson, 22, all died in the 1981 massacre. The Wonderland House might seem like an ordinary home in the Los Angeles suburbs. We have estimated 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. Anyone can read what you share. We want to hear it. His associate, David Lind, once said of him: "You could put a gun to his head and his pulse would never break 70". In the early morning hours of July 1, 1981 an unknown number of male assailants had entered the home. [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"). [8], William Raymond DeVerell[5] was Launius' right-hand man and a voice of reason. 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. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is a popular holiday destination known for Old Hollywood's rich and famous intrigues. After the trial ended in a hung jury, they were retried the following year and were later acquitted. The robbery was an inside job set up by Holmes, who was a close associate of Nash's, and whom Nash regularly referred to as "my brother". 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