A Killer Among Friends

Deadly Women Episode Karen Severson Missy Avila

2012-01-13T19:25:00.000-08:00

You can catch the episode on Deadly Women tonight on Investigation Discovery channel.

The True Story that Inspired the Movie "A Killer Among Friends"

2011-12-13T03:31:00.001-08:00

The movie A Killer Among Friends starring Patty Duke and Tiffani Amber Thissen is based on the case of Michelle Avila aka Missy Avila. Missy Avila was murdered by her two best friends, Karen Severson and Laura Doyle in 1985. They lured her to a secluded location, and she was beaten and murdered by holding her under water with a log. There is also a book on which the movie is based called "Missy's Murder." The movie first came to tv in 1992 as a made for tv movie of the week.

Karen Severson is Out of Prison

2011-12-13T03:31:00.000-08:00

So the Los Angeles Daily News finally did a story on the release of Karen Severson. They conducted the interview with Missy Avila's brother Chris Avila. Karen quietly left prison on Friday without much fanfare. She is apparently spending some transitional time at a group home in Pomona County, Claremont, California, according to prison officials. People are shocked, outraged, and saddened by the news. I have received about 20 emails since we made the announcement on our website earlier this week regarding her upcoming release. Karen Severson was considered a model prisoner by all accounts. She had many people, including prison staff, and several of the women that she mentored, fighting for her release. Karen Francis Severson received a B.A in psychology and a Doctorate degree in theology during her incarceration.(wow! a doctorate...really....while in prison?)

Here is a link to the article the Los Angeles Daily News released this morning (here)

Karen Severson to Go Free This Friday

2011-12-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

Karen Severson will walk free on Friday, December 9, 2011. Severson has been in incarcerated since 1988 in the death of Michele Missy Avila . The news comes as a devastating blow to her family and friends. We will keep you updated on the latest on her release.

Update: Karen Severson Photo

2010-03-29T19:20:00.000-07:00

Karen Severson will in all probability be released on parole in December of this year. The Avila family and friends are devastated by the news. "I wish that girl would die," declared Avila, 70, verging on tears after learning of the decision by state parole commissioners. "I feel bad for my sons. I feel bad for everybody who knew her.
"This was a terrible injustice, a terrible injustice. I don't understand why, people who commit murder, they let em out." (Daily News Los Angeles)

I found Karen Severson's new pic at prison pen pals. She looks so different.

Karen Severson # W-35829
CIW Miller A 11 Low
16756 Chino Corona Road
Corona, CA 92880-9508 USA

here is the info she listed
Sex - Female
DOB - 10/17/67
Seeking - Men
Race - Caucasian
Religion - Christian
Convicted Of - 2nd Degree Murder
Release Date - Uncertain (Lifer with Possibility)

Update: Laura Doyle new photo

2010-03-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

To the person who sent the tip about Laura thank you. After I published your comment it just disappeared. Not sure what happened there. Here is an up to date picture of Laura Doyle. She is listed on a website for prison pen pals.

Laura had the following ad placed on meet-an-inmate.com

Laura Doyle #W35830
VSPW B4-32-03U
PO Box 92
Chowchilla, CA. 93610-0092

My name is Laura, a 42 year old rare redheaded beauty in search of a loyal, honest friend that I can feel comfortable in opening up to, and express who I truly am without the fear of being judged. I enjoy the outdoors, staying active, and helping others. I mentor the young girls here and help them find the positive ways. I am open minded with a kind heart and would love to hear from you.

Race: White
Date of Birth: 5-1-67
Release Date: Life
Height: 5'5"
Religion:
Do you smoke? No
Would you like letters from both sexes? Yes
Education: 12th grade
Occupation before prison: Von's clerk
Activities in prison: Vocational janitorial, vice char of NA/AA, and mentoring other inmates (12 steps)

Missy Avila case, Michele Avila Photos and Karen Severson Photos

2008-12-28T10:31:00.000-08:00

As you can see, Tiffani Amber Thiessen was a good choice to play Missy Avila. The movie producers changed her character as a White American. The real life Michelle Avila was a Hispanic . She spoke both English and Spanish. In the movie her personality is more laid back and mild mannered. The real life Missy is described as a young lady who did not hold back her tongue. She was also described as a tough kid who would stand up for herself. She was a short and thin young lady with a petite figure. She was attending the continuation with Laura and Karen school due to behavior problems.

Here is the link to her Facebook Memorial Page. You can join the page and speak with Victor Amaya, and I think her brother, and another close friend is on the page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remembering-a-friend-Michele-Avila/162652417104502#!/pages/Remembering-a-friend-Michele-Avila/162652417104502http://www.facebook.com/pages/Remembering-a-friend-Michele-Avila/162652417104502#!/pages/Remembering-a-friend-Michele-Avila/162652417104502

Here is Karen Severson below

Karen Severson was 5 feet 2 inches and weighed 200 pounds. She is described as having an intimidating personality and demeanor. She was seen as the ringleader of the group. According to the source: "Her parents spoiled her rotten. She got everything she wanted. She had a motorcycle and too much freedom. Her parents would leave her at home by herself many times while they were away. Karen became pregnant for Randi Fernandez, but she had an abortion. She later became pregnant with Stephanie. The father is unknown. Karen also has a sister named Stephanie."

Now here is Laura Doyle

Laura Doyle was described as "red haired with crooked teeth." According to several sources, Laura was actually very cute. The picture does not do her justice they say. They said that she had a "killer body," and a nice face with makeup. She was a follower of Karen. Her parents abused her according to the source. She was attending the continuation school due to behavior problems

I don't have an old pic of Victor Amaya. But he is described as a Hispanic male with a tattoo on his arm of a leaf that says "stoner". He was Laura's boyfriend, but he dated Missy too briefly according to Victor. Victor Amaya did not attend the same school as the rest. He attended Catholic school.

Extra Tidits

Karen, Laura, and Missy went to San Fernando High School, but the continuation school was sort of like an alternative school for kids with issues.

Karen's daughter, Stephanie, is about 24 years old (at the time this article was written), and a person close to the case saw her in or near Arleta about 2 years ago. She was thin, and she had piercings. She had sort of a punk rock appearance. She also seemed very "to herself," says the source.

Missy Avila's name is pronounced (AH bee la) instead of (av EE la)

The group used to like to hang out in Branford Park in Arleta.The park where Missy was murdered is in Angeles National Forrest which is 45 minutes from Arleta.

For more reading

Timeline of Events in the death of Missy (includes extra information)

Extra Tidbits and Some Updates

A Note About Victor Amaya

Also here is a book about the case. The book was written by Karen Kingsbury. The movie was pretty much based on this book.