How Michael Connelly’s look at the Wonderland Massacre led him to Liberace’s former boyfriend

As a seasoned investigative journalist and novelist, I found myself captivated by the haunting tale of the Wonderland murders. The grisly images from the crime scene were a stark reminder of the darker side of Los Angeles during that era, a city I’ve called home for decades. It was a story that resonated with me, not just as a journalist but also as someone who thrives on untying knots and bringing closure to stories left unresolved.

Among the shocking Hollywood crimes that have significantly marked Los Angeles’ history, the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders remain among the most notorious. Over two days, a group of followers led by Charles Manson brutally murdered pregnant actress Sharon Tate and others, which has since inspired numerous books, movies, and even films like Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood.

However, renowned novelist and ex-Times reporter Michael Connelly has long been captivated by another disturbing event – the 1981 Wonderland Massacre – a gruesome incident marked by sex, drugs, and violence that he believes left an indelible impact on Hollywood and Los Angeles culture. This tragic event unfolded when four individuals were viciously murdered within a luxurious Laurel Canyon residence.

In this intriguing tale, adult entertainer John C. Holmes, drug magnate Eddie Nash, the renowned artist Liberace and his companion Scott Thorson were some of the vibrant figures entangled in the case. A jury member was corruptly influenced. Despite three trials, no convictions were achieved, and the perpetrators behind the Wonderland murders remained unpunished, earning it a place among the Los Angeles Police Department’s most notorious unsolved cases.

According to Connelly, the details were so extraordinary that they seemed implausible, even by the exaggerated standards of Hollywood: “Parts of this tale are so unrealistic that I believe they wouldn’t hold up as a work of fiction because, ironically, fiction requires a greater degree of believability.

Following several decades of penning blockbuster novels, numerous ones centered around the fictional, straightforward Los Angeles Police Department Detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch, and transforming these stories into hit TV shows (such as “Bosch” on Prime Video and “The Lincoln Lawyer” on Netflix), Michael Connelly is now delving deeply into his fascination with the gruesome Hollywood murder case known as “The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood,” as portrayed in MGM+.

In the final installment of a four-part documentary series airing this Sunday at 10 p.m., author Connelly, in collaboration with filmmaker Alison Ellwood (“Laurel Canyon,” “The Go-Gos”), continues his investigation into the case that was initially examined in his 2021 podcast. This undertaking also delves into the hedonistic culture of Hollywood’s nightclubs and underground parties that flourished during the 1970s and ’80s. The complete series will be streamable after its broadcast.

A significant aspect of this project is a comprehensive interview with Thorson, famously played by Matt Damon in the HBO movie “Behind the Candelabra.” Thorson’s memoir, which shares the same name, formed the basis for this film. Known as an addict and a figure in Hollywood’s seedy underbelly, Thorson was a crucial witness in the Wonderland case. Sadly, Thorson passed away in August due to cancer and heart disease.

In the initial installment of “The Heat of a Cold Case” series, we delve into the chilling details of an incident that unfolded on July 1, 1981. This tragic event involved the brutal deaths of four individuals: Ron Launius, William “Billy” Deverell, Joy Miller, and Barbara Richardson. All were discovered lifeless, having been violently attacked. The victims were associated with the Wonderland Gang, a small-time drug dealing collective. Remarkably, Susan Launius, Ron’s wife, managed to survive the attack but endured severe brain damage and partial paralysis.

It’s believed that Nash supposedly commanded the killings as a form of revenge for a burglary at his residence. However, both Nash and his security guard, Gregory DeWitt Diles, were found not guilty in relation to these charges.

During a condensed and streamlined video conversation, Connelly and Ellwood explored how the Wonderland case influenced Hollywood, its link to the crack epidemic, their intricate dance with Thorson, and the potential for revisiting this case in the future.

Why have the Wonderland murders intrigued you more than the Manson family murders?

As a passionate film enthusiast, I find both cases to be gruesome and shocking, reflecting the societal climate of their respective eras. However, the Manson case and the story of the Wonderland murders stand apart due to their unique implications. The Manson case was a chilling glimpse into the darker corners of the 1960s counterculture movement. On the other hand, Wonderland was a harbinger of the devastating impact of the emergence and spread of addictive drugs in the 1980s. This shift towards drugs designed to ensnare marked the beginning of the crack epidemic, which left indelible scars on communities across America. The ripples from this case are far-reaching, transcending Los Angeles and encapsulating the societal changes that swept our nation during that turbulent decade.

Ellwood: When Michael spoke to me, I had recently completed a book on the music scene in “Laurel Canyon.” The Manson murders served as a chilling interlude amidst this peaceful setting that no one anticipated. Before, it was mind-altering drugs, but later, they shifted to cocaine. As artists moved away, these houses were turned into drug havens by criminals. The idyllic image of Laure Canyon was replaced.

Michael, when did you first start obsessing over this murder?

Connelly initially moved from Florida to Los Angeles during the mid-80s, working for the Los Angeles Times to cover crime. Stories about people escaping murder charges held a particular appeal to me as a journalist. Later, I shifted to writing novels, where everything gets resolved and there are no unanswered questions. The chance to delve into an unsolved case that never received justice is something that continues to fascinate and consume me. Over the years, I’ve grown quite familiar with almost every detective who has been involved in this investigation. It has left a lasting impact on them, and in turn, it’s become deeply ingrained within me as well.

One of the most shocking images is the bloody footage from the actual crime scene.

As a movie enthusiast who’s no stranger to grisly scenes, let me tell you this film is something else. The violence feels raw and unfiltered, unlike anything I’ve seen before in the movies. Although there were scenes of extreme brutality left out, even those would have been jarringly real.

How is the docuseries different from the podcast?

As a captivated listener, I must say, Connelly’s work transcends the realm of a typical podcast. The archival materials meticulously compiled by Allison and her team elevate it to a level that words alone can barely express. The crime scene footage, in particular, takes on a new dimension when seen instead of heard about. Additionally, the interviews they secured are remarkably fresh, offering an unprecedented immersion into the story.

What was the main element to make it into a film?

The story gave me a pessimistic view of Los Angeles during that period, so we decided to create it in a noir style. There’s plenty of nighttime driving with Michael, and the interview scenes are quite atmospheric and moody.

The interviews between Mike and Scott Thorson were instantly captivating, revealing a tense, back-and-forth interaction that hinted at Michael’s cat-and-mouse game with Scott. I found myself thinking, “We need to bring them together for a conversation.” So we decided to head to Musso & Frank’s in Hollywood, a place known for its opulent, vintage ambiance. Scott was familiar with this spot, having spent time there often.

Connelly describes the character as peculiar yet intriguing, with several officers advising caution and distrust of his words. Initially skeptical and untrusting, their interactions grew more enjoyable for Connelly. The relationship was unusual, as Connelly often attempted to expose him as an untruthful narrator. However, he did try to deceive me. I felt it would be beneficial to portray him in this light. He never learned my address or received my phone number. Yet, I found myself growing fond of him, despite his wrongdoings. This is a strange development for me. Even though we knew he was ill during the interviews, his passing still came as a shock.

Is there a possibility of the case ever being reopened?

Connelly: Yes, yet no. Our project efforts led the chief of the LAPD’s cold case unit to visit with us and review the file. However, she mentioned that the case doesn’t contain elements typically found in a cold-case investigation after many years, such as DNA or fingerprint evidence. In order for this case to be reopened, someone needs to provide new information.

Definitely, all the investigators would be thrilled to wrap up this case. It’s a matter of long-overdue justice. Murderers have been left unpunished.

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2024-09-29 13:31