The Forgotten Murder Trial of Josephine Terranova
Aka “The Girl-Wife and the Alienists.”
By Jacob M. Appel – 2009 Western New England Law Review
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John
The Year was 1906 -
John
Nash And Diles Make Front Page News, Lawyers Blame Politics
It must have been a slow news day in Youngstown, OH on September 9, 1988 because the charging of Nash and Diles made the front page of The Vindicator newspaper.
Also, Eddie and Greg’s legal team blame the political ambitions of the D.A., Ira Reiner, for finally bringing charges against their clients. Ira wanted to become State Attorney General, we are told. A politician using Wonderland for political gain… that’s a first!
Things are also a bit confusing because the article mentions Sharon Holmes and how John confessed to having a role in the crime three weeks after the murders. He confessed to her the morning of the murders, in the pink-tinged bloody bathtub water, as he cleared his conscience.
Before going on the run three weeks after the murders, John and Dawn met Sharon at a Safeway parking lot twice in one day. One visit was to talk and ask her for money, the next was to get the money from her before leaving town.
The new witness, Scott Thorson, is not mentioned.
The Vindicator. Sept. 9, 1988.
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Jenn
The things he did to her were unbelievable.
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John W
When Holmes met Dawn in the mid-70s, he owned a custom Chevy van with vanity license plates that read: WADD
Who knows what happened to that vehicle, he probably later sold it to score some blow or crack.LikeLike
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Jenn
I read Dawn’s book and she doesn’t specify what happened to it only that it was broken down for a while and then gone. Sharon had what was probably a beautiful Malibu that he ran into the ground.
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John W
Yes and that Malibu would be worth some money today, if it was taken care of. Sharon died broke, and Dawn took her in and in recent years helped find Sharon find long term care etc. I can imagine Sharon would have been much better off without Holmes showing up and stealing / liquidating her property and assets once every few months. My older brother stole from our mother for years. I would come over and ask Where’s your TV!? He was such a sorry ass piece of shit for many years. I almost killed him a few times.
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Jenn
That sounds like my younger cousin who is a junkie. My aunt and uncle are raising her kids, she has stolen countless amounts of jewelry, cash, and anything else she can get her hands on. Family heirlooms, you name it. Same with my best friend of 20+ years. She gave everything but her name to her crack cocaine addiction. Is crack the same as “free base” which John Holmes was addicted to? It sounds similar. I am praying both get off drugs but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen at least anytime soon. Sorry to hear about your brother. John Holmes was just a piece of crap. Any redeeming qualities he may have had he flushed down the toilet. I can’t believe Dawn survived him but thank God she did.
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Jenn
I hate to even ask this but since Holmes was from OH originally is it possible that they saw him as some kind of, well, I don’t want to say hero, but I can’t think of a better word right now. Crazier things have happened.
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John
I forgot about that, and yes maybe there is a local connection, he grew up 2-3 hours away near Columbus.
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localarts
There was certainly alot of posters on the IMDB forum that considered him a hero. As one poster put it, “the only thing bigger than his dick was his heart” and of course the lady that baked him a birthday cake..
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Jenn
People are crazy……..If he was just a porno star and that’s it, fine. I can understand people being star struck or awestruck over his assets. But when I think of him I think what a piece of crap to set up people to rob and kill to feed his habit. I can’t past what kind of person he was to even be fascinated with the rest of him.
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John
John Holmes Places Himself At Wonderland
One thing is certain, John Holmes was at Wonderland the night of the killings. But for some reason, there still seems to be speculation by some that he may not have been there. The main part of the defense during his murder trial was that he was forced to watch at gunpoint. They admitted it!
Later on in the 1980s, he releases his book, Porn King, where he claims he wasn’t there, but showed up afterwards and saw the resulting carnage. In doing so, he does not even accurately describe the crime scene very well and exaggerates the amount of blood, faces bashed in, etc. He was such a liar, and his old producer buddy even said that he did not think John ever existed at all, that his entire life was smoke and mirrors, a facade, a sham. He played us all to get what he wanted, a real chameleon… but one that liked freebase.
Holmes was, and will continue to be, full of shit.
Thanks to a loyal reader, I now leave you with this short clip from his 1981 failed biopic, “Exhausted”. Wow! So that’s how Johnny Wadd looked in 1981… Val Kilmer was dead on with his appearance.
John Holmes teaching us “How to Treat Women”. Really, John?
Enjoy~
Val Kilmer preparing for his role as Johnny Holmes? Ha!!
Sources:
Witness Says Holmes Fearful. The Reading Eagle, June 10, 1982.
YouTube
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Darcymarie
No, I think John took some whacks at launius, it was known that he didn’t like him & even feared him… So it’s no stretch that he was either forced to to implicate him or he willing did so after not getting his fair share & getting treated like a “butt boy” as has been stated by the cops. Incidentally I remember reading yr post about Ron being clean shaven right after crime maybe he didn’t want to get recognized….
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John
Yes, it looks like Billy and Ronnie had fresh new haircuts at the time of their deaths. Just an observation. Sadly, none of them were bright enough to think Nash/Diles could put two and two together and finger Holmes for the set up and robbery of the Nash house…and that John might squeal. A big time lapse in judgment.
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localarts
No question Holmes was there, he admitted it. Sharon Holmes told Wonderland director James Cox in private that it was her belief John committed at least one of the murders. I cant imagine anyone knew John Holmes better than Sharon.
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John
I wonder if John Holmes was left handed? Maybe he took out Barbara on the first floor, and in doing so, knocked down the hanging planter that was seen on the floor. It had been hanging just above and to the left of the couch where she slept. Muy interasante!! The cheesiest part of the movie is where Lind goes room to room saying the names of the people who died. Lame. That was only included for people unfamiliar with the case, but it was cheeeezy to watch. LOL.
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localarts
I agree. It was a bit silly.
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scabiesoftherat
As promised, here are the links for the holmes documentary made around the time of the murders
Part One
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zcrVGJIIZrE
Part Two
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9Z_nNie8AjE
Part Three
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gIHczaVJzVk
Part Four
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl4dGj0pZyELikeLike
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Pixie
I will never believe a word out of his mouth. The guy was nothing but a bs artist.
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John
The Testimony of Susan Launius at John Holmes’ Trial
This testimony was obtained via the Freedom of Information Act from the Federal Office of Mind Your Own Business.
SUSAN LAUNIUS
Called as a witness by the People,
was sworn and testified as follows:
DIRECT EXAMINATION
BY MR. COEN:
Q: Miss Launius, were you the wife of Ronald Launius?
A: Yes.
Q: And directing your attention to sometime around June 30 of 1981, did you go to the residence at 8763 Wonderland Avenue in Los Angeles?
A: Yes.
Q: Was this your husband’s house?
A: Yes.
Q: At the time you were not living with him?
A: No, I wasn’t.
Q: And do you recall if you spent the night there?
A: Yes. I believe I did.
Q: And do you recall laying down on a bed?
A: Yes.
Q: And were you laying down alone or was there someone with you?
A: Ron was with me.
Q: Miss Launius, what is the next thing you remember?
A: I was laying down on the bed and I believe I was watching TV and it seemed like there was a bunch of people coming in and out. Then, at one point it seemed like some people were moving faster.
Q: By “fast” you mean like running or something else?
A: Just kind of walking fast, the movements.
Q: Walking into your room or the room you were laying down in?
A: Yes.
Q: What is the next thing you remember after that?
A: Nothing.
Q: Do you remember being in a hospital?
A: Yes.
Q: How long were you in the hospital?
A: About two and a half months.
Q: Do you recall if you had any injuries?
A: Yes.
Q: What was that, Ma’am?
A: Massive head injuries and my left leg partly paralyzed because of my head injuries.
Q: Did you lose a finger?
A: And a finger.
Q: Have you had any operations in the hospital?
A: Yes. They operated on my head.
Q: Did they remove a large portion of your skull?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you know the defendant seated at the end of the table? Do you know that man?
A: No, I don’t.
MR. COEN: I have nothing further.
THE COURT: Cross-examination.
CROSS EXAMINATION
BY MR. HANSON:
Q: Mrs. Launius, I’m just going to ask you a few questions and I will tell you in advance that based upon your apparent delicate condition of health, if at any time you feel that the questions require you to take a break or something, you let me know. Is that fair?
A: Okay.
Q: Can you tell us what time you arrived at the location in the map to your left?
A: What time?
Q: Yes, Ma’am.
A: It was early morning.
Q: What does that mean?
A: Early morning hours, about – I can’t quite remember – but it was early.
Q: 8:00 o’clock would be –
A: Around 7:00.
Q: 7:00 or 8:00 in the morning?
A: Yes.
Q: How did you arrive there?
A: With my husband.
Q: You arrived at that location with Ron?
A: Yes.
Q: In his car?
A: I believe it was his car. I don’t know.
Q: Can you tell us how you were dressed?
A: I had a pair of blue jeans on and a shirt and a pair of brown heels.
Q: Had you ever been there (8763 Wonderland) before?
A: No, I hadn’t.
Q: From the time you arrived did you continually remain there?
A: Yes.
Q: You didn’t leave for any purpose that you can recall at this moment?
A: No.
Q: You do recall at some point prior to the time that you were hurt being in bed watching television? Is that correct?
A: I don’t know if I was watching TV or not but I remember laying in bed beside Ron.
Q: Can you give us any reference point to approximately what time that would be?
A: I don’t remember.
Q: When you arrived at 8:00 o’clock in the morning obviously the sun was out?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you recall at anytime during your stay at that residence that the sun set?
A: No.
Q: You don’t?
A: I don’t recall.
Q: You don’t?
A: I don’t recall.
Q: You don’t recall, then, the approach of dark?
A: I can’t remember.
Q: Do you recall anything that you might have seen on TV with regard to the type of program?[1]
A: I don’t remember.
Q: During the time that you were there did you see other people come and go in the house?
A: Yes.
Q: Were you introduced to some of the people?
A: No. They were like shadows, sort of.
Q: When you arrived there did you see anybody?
A: Yes.
Q: Those people didn’t appear to be shadows then, did they?
A: No.
Q: Did you meet any of those people?
A: Yes.
Q: Were you given names?
A: Only one I remember is Joy.
Q: Someone by the name of Joy?
A: Uh-huh.
Q: Now, when you were in bed with Ron were you still dressed?
A: Yes.
Q: Well, let me finish my question. Were you still dressed in the same attire that you wore when you first went there?
A: Yes.
Q: You don’t recall, then, if you had put on pajamas or something else?
A: No, I don’t.
Q: You were later taken to a hospital?
A: Yes.
Q: Had you seen pictures of yourself at the time that your body was found?
A: Yes.
Q: All right. Is the clothing depicted in that picture or those pictures the same clothing that you recall wearing to the location?
A: No.
Q: The clothing was different?
A: I didn’t have any clothing. I, all I remember is pictures of me when I was injured.
Q: Well, in the pictures of yourself in which you appear to be injured, are you clothed?
A: No.
Q: There is no clothing shown at all?
A: No.
Q: Now, when you refer to “shadows” are those images that you recall seeing at some point during the day or evening at the location?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you recall hearing any sounds of a disturbing nature, of furniture being moved or banging or anything of that sort?
A: No
Q: Now, when you say that you were in the bedroom with Ron, is that the upstairs bedroom or downstairs?
A: Downstairs.
Q: When you say you recall shadows, can you tell us how many shadows you recall?
A: I remember around three or – three shadows that I can remember.
Q: Do you recall talking to an officer or officers after this incident happened?
A: No.
Q: Well, at some point before testifying today you have talked to somebody about what you recall or don’t recall. Is that correct?
A: Yes.
Q: And do you recall having made a statement to the officers in the past that you recalled being in bed with Ron when three individuals came through the door?
A: I’m not sure of there were three or more or –
Q: Well, all I’m asking you at this point is this: Do you recall making a statement to an officer or officers that three individuals came into the bedroom?
THE COURT: The question is: Do you recall making that statement?
THE WITNESS: I recall making a statement that I seen shadows but –
BY MR. HANSON:
Q: You don’t recall, then, telling the officers in any statement that you might have made to them how many people came into the room. Is that correct?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you recall describing one of the people who came into the room as a man with very dark eyes?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you have a recollection of that incident? Is that correct?
A: Yes.
Q: Now by “dark eyes” would that be black or brown?
A: They seemed like they were brown. Just dark eyes, kind of looked right through me.
Q: That person injure you in any way, that you recall?
A: I don’t remember.
Q: So a person and at some point thereafter?
A: I, I was in the living room. I remember that. And I was standing there and that person came up to me and just kind of looked, looked straight at me.
Q: Did the person say anything to you?
A: I don’t remember.
Q: Do you recall the race of that person?
A: He looked to me like he was colored.
Q: A black man?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you recall his age?
A: He seemed very – umm – around 30 or something. He was kind of young looking and very well dressed.
Q: Do you recall anything about his physical description, as far as size or weight?
A: He was, I remember he was slender but that is all I can remember.
Q: That person you recall looking at you in the manner that you felt to be unusual, is that correct?
A: Yes.
Q: Would you describe it as a hostile manner?
A: He just stared through me. I don’t –
Q: Now, aside from that person we have been talking about, you also have a recollection of some other number of shadowy figures? Is that correct?
A: Yes.
Q: Do those other figures in your memory also appear to you to be of the black race?
A: No.
Q: With regard to those other individuals, can you tell me if they appeared to be younger or older than the –
A: I don’t remember.
Q: — than the one person that you do recall?
A: No. I don’t remember.
Q: Now, Mr. Coen – he is the District Attorney here – asked you if you ever saw the man to my left. Do you recall that question?
A: Yes.
Q: And what I am asking you right now is, I want you to take a very careful look at the man to my left. Can you see him clearly?
A: I see him.
Q: Can you see the color of his eyes?
A: Yes.
Q: You can see the color of his hair?
A: Yes.
Q: And I’m going to ask him to stand up for a minute. Will you stand up, Mr. Holmes?
THE COURT: The record will reflect Mr. Hanson has had the defendant, Mr. Holmes, stand.
BY MR. HANSON:
Q: Now can you see him clearly?
A: Yes.
Q: And is it your testimony that you have never seen this man in your life?
A: No, I don’t remember seeing him.
MR. HANSON: I have nothing further, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Redirect?
MR. COEN: Thank you, Your Honor.
REDIRECT EXAMIATION
BY MR. COEN:
Q: This black person that you saw –
A: Well, he seemed to me like he was not, he was light complected, sort of like high yellow.
Q: By “high yellow”, for the record, you are referring to a light complected black person?
A: Yes.
Q: Now, this was prior to going to bed? Prior to laying down in the room with Ron Launius, if you recall?
A: I don’t remember.
Q: Was this one of the visitors to the house?
A: I don’t remember. It seems like it happened when I first got there.
Q: When you first got there.
A: Yes.
Q: Do you recall which room that you saw this person?
A: In the living room.
MR. COEN: I have nothing further.
THE COURT: Recross?
MR. HANSON: No recross. Your Honor.
THE COURT: Thank you very much, Mrs. Launius.
MR. COEN: The People call Robert Sexton.
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Monika
I suffer from a TBI, and often visit Ron’s grave. I was angry with him for a long time. I feel like he might have pissed off some other people after death. His ex wife’s daughter also suffered a terrible death at the hands of a Hells Angels member. She was only 12. I forgive him and think he just got in the wrong crowd.
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John
Reblogged this on Wonderland1981 – The Wonderland Murders.
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Brianne
No one is ever gonna convince me that he didn’t have something to do with it. Only one way Nash would know where and who is Holmes and her testimony did nothing to erase a bloody hand print found at the scene. As for some of you saying your fans of Holmes and the one lady who says she is a fan of the murders let’s see what it’s like when it’s your family member like my uncle. These guys weren’t the greatest of people but the ladies had nothing to do with the robbery and beat them to death and almost to death they did not deserve this.
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Ben Johnson
She has brain damage. She said she does “not remember” how many times? I can’t imagine the pressure she dealt with all the detectives pressing her for information. Detective Lang lost how many cases? OJ, Holmes, etc….
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Maria
I feel drawn to the house as well . Would love to see it. I’m in Oregon , so not too far away . I have spokeo and found the address for Eddie Nash , but nothing much for Susan. I was just curious. They didn’t deserve what they got , so brutal.
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Edmund
Well I’m all the way from Australia… I’ve been dying to see the house since the film came out…. wonder if anyone can help me?
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Tori
I’m from orange county about 35 minutes from la. Takin a drive up to see wonderland ave. and Dona Lola . Will take pictures 🙂
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Tori
Great blogs. Big fan of John Holmes the movie wonderland and the murders itself. Read dawns book and reading life measured in inches now. Are their any testimonials from John or nash
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Jim
@Jenn youre definitely not a ‘nut’.. Im at the point i feel the need to go to the site/house,but im on the east coast =/
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Jenn
I know what you mean Jim. I’m in FL so it would be next to impossible. I’ve always felt drawn to CA and I hope to get out that way at some point.
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Jenn
First I have to say, I really like your site and admire all the hard work and research you have put into it. What got me into this research is that I am a psychic medium and I feel very drawn to these people. I can’t explain it. I have felt Ron’s energy very strongly. I have been trying to find Susan. Not to bother her but to give her a message I have received. I know these people were not angels but they were human beings and there was good in them too. I feel that. I know what people will say about me: “she’s a complete nut” or much worse so I won’t get into everything here but I do appreciate your site and I have found it very interesting. Just wanted to tell you that.
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John W
Holy crap! Holmes was there during the previous day and met Susan.. Or she had mixed memories.. Oh- this will take a new twist. Interesting…
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Darcymarie
I do find this last part of the testimony interesting because of her usage of the term ” high yellow” imo, could have been holmes he was strung out & from pics I’ve seen he looks like has a sallow complexion, I’m sure she was high as kite , probably nodding in & out another reason to put holmes there
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mxlena
“High Yellow” doesn’t actually mean a yellow complexion, its a slang word that means a light skinned black person or a black person of mixed racial heritage. Its considered a derogatory or racist term. Another similar term for the same thing is “Redbone”.
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guest
This “high yellow” person Susan was speaking of, could very well have been John Holmes. He had a ruddy complexion, he had his hair afro-like at times, and he could have been mistaken as a “high yellow” black, if someone observing him was high on drugs at the time..
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Jenn, 
localarts, and 1 other are discussing. 
Darcymarie, 
Monika, 
Wonderland1981 - The Wonderland Murders 
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